Sessions of IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology · of IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology 1. Fluvial Geomorphology 2. Tectonics and Landscape Evolution 3. Coastal

IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology

Gloria Hotel of Rio de Janerio, Brasil, July 17-22, 1999

Abstracts - Sandra Baptista da Cunha and Antonio Jose Teixeira Guerra (Eds.)

Sessions

of IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology

1. Fluvial Geomorphology

2. Tectonics and Landscape Evolution

3. Coastal Geomorphology

4. Soils and Geomorphology

5. Hillslope Geomorphology (Symposium on Gully Erosion & Symposium on

Slope Processes that Produce Stone-Lines)

6. Geomorphology Applied to Environmental Planning and Management

7. Remote Sensing, Geoprocessing and Geomorphological Research

8. Miscellaneous

© 2001 International Association of Geomorphologists

All rights reserved




Abstracts

delivered at IAG 1999 Regional Conference on

Geomorphology

SESSION: Fluvial Geomorphology

1. FAN SYSTEMS IN SWAMPLANDS OF MATO-GROSSO STATE-BRAZIL

2. THE GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE TAQUARI RIVER IN THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL 3. MARGINAL EROSION AND LANDUSE IN THE PEIXOTO RIVER BASIN - PRATA -

BRAZIL 4. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SAO MIGUEL BASIN, JEQUITINHONHA

VALLEY, MINAS GERAIS 5. RIVER STYLES: A GEOMORPHIC TEMPLATE FOR ANALYSIS OF BIOPHYSICAL

PROCESSES ALONG RIVER COURSES 6. ASSESSMENT OF SEDIMENT DELIVERY RATIO IN LOESS PLATEAU, CHINA 7. THE ANTONINA AND PARANAGUÁ BAY'S REGION, BRAZIL: ENVIRONMENTAL

ZONING 8. THE JOÃO FERREIRA CREEK, UPPER RIO DOCE BASIN, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL: AN

EXAMPLE OF COARSE-GRAINED MEANDERING RIVER 9. EVOLUTION OF THE RIVERS SECCHIA AND PANARO IN THE PO PLAIN IN THE 19TH

AND 20TH CENTURIES (MODENA PROVINCE, NORTHERN ITALY) 10. BRAZILIAN RIVERS: IMPACTS OF RIVERS ENGINEERING AND THE POTENCIAL FOR

RESTORATION 11. DISSECTION PATTERNS AIDING GEOLOGICAL MAPPING OF THE LOWER

SOLIMÕES REGION - AMAZON 12. A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE CHANNEL NETWORKS STRUCTURE OF A FIRST-

ORDER DRAINAGE BASIN, WESTERN PARANA STATE, BRAZIL. 13. GEOMORPHIC APPROACH TO IDENTIFICATION OF RIVER RECOVERY POTENTIAL:

APPLICATION IN BEGA CATCHMENT, SOUTH COAST, NSW, AUSTRALIA 14. DAMS, SAND-MINING AND SEDIMENTS - A BUDGETING APPROACH FOR MGENI

ESTUARY NEAR DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA 15. MORPHOLOGY, DRAINAGE AREA AND FLOW RELATIONS FOR BAHIA'S RIVERS 16. RIFFLE-POOL LANDFORMS AND FLOOD HISTORY IN A DESERT GORGE, AUSTRALIA 17. STREAM SOLUTE RESPONSE IN THE SMALL POST-GLACIAL CATCHMENT, WEST

POMERANIA, POLAND 18. ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF THE SOIL IN DIFFERENT

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL/LITHOLOGICAL COMPARTIMENTS

19. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FLUVIAL SEDIMENTS IN THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE JACAREPAGUÁ LAGOON, RIO DE JANEIRO

20. URBAN DRAINAGE NET: MAN ACTION IN THE THIRD ORDER CHANNELS - PAQUEQUER RIVER, TERESÓPOLIS - RIO DE JANEIRO

21. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN OF THE RIVER TAPAGEM - RONDONIA




FAN SYSTEMS IN SWAMPLANDS OF MATO-

GROSSO STATE-BRAZIL

Alvarenga, S.M

IBGE - Fundaçao Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, Brasil, [email protected]

Brazilian Matogrossense swamplands (Pantanal Matogrossense) are a plan, lowered, swampy surface of 138-183 Km2,

inside high Paraguay basin on west centre region of Brazil. It encompasses partial areas from Mato Grosso (MT) and

Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) States. Paraguay river and tributaries control typical pattern forms: fragile fluvial dikes,

floodplain lacustrine forms and extensive fluvial fans. Sub-basin surfaces connect themselves water, sediments,

nutrients during main flood periods (from November to March). Between Descalvado (MT) and Corumbá cities (MS),

along Brazil/Bolivia border (north-south direction), there is a depression zone (bajada), on quaternary sediments

between fans, with extensions along downstream from tributaries Corixa Grande, and Cuiabá (MT State); Taquari,

Negro, Miranda (MS State). These drainage control fans and define their floodplain over bajada's zones resulting in

residual lakes, oxbow lakes, terraces, flood plains and abandoned dikes. Singular drainage pattern occurs on variable

superposed directions and meandering channels inside silted braided plains. They reflect successive regional structures

and flow regime changes. There is a new fan of Paraguay River, between Descalvado and confluence of Cuiabá River

(alluvial material).

Extensive fans are constituted by sediments from Pantanal Formation, distinct period of flooded duration between

themselves and on their segments higher to interior. There are alluvial-coluvial cones of 'piemont' around fans, near

high relieves. Fans are in construction process, over local depressions, through flood plain expansions.

Artificial changes of channel, on fluvial-lacustrine environment in formation along Paraguay River, become

inappropriate with insufficient studies and legal preservation areas: Taima Biologic Reserve and Matogrossense

National Park, with archaeologic sites around Descalvado and Taima Isle, for example. It is necessary much attention

on monitoring Paraguay fan area.

© 2001 International Association of Geomorphologists All rights reserved




THE GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE TAQUARI

RIVER IN THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL

Assine, M.L.1; Padovani, C.R.2 and Berner, A.1 1Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brasil, [email protected]

2Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil,

[email protected]

Pantanal is an alluvial lowland region in western border of Brazil. The Paraguay is the trunk river of a depositional

system tract composed of several humid alluvial fans. The Taquari alluvial fan, the most conspicuous among then, is a

giant wet system with circular geometry and 250 km in diameter. Its altitudes varies from 160 m at the fan apex to 100

m at the fan toe (gradient of 24 cm / km).

The present channel system is slightly entrenched in the upper fan. Here, the Taquari River is a meandering channel and

sedimentation occurs in a confined meandering belt. This pattern changes downstream as a consequence of progressive

narrowing of the meandering belt, as well as decreasing of sinuosity and height of terraces.

In the middle fan the system acquires a radiating distributary pattern. Many points of avulsion, progradation and

abandonment of crevasse splays are visible in satellite images. The water discharge decreases downstream mainly by

avulsion and secondary by infiltration and evaporation.

Active avulsions and anabranch confluences characterise the distal part of the river, where the active fan lobe is being

constructed. Multitemporal analysis using satellite images, obtained in the last 30 years, revealed abrupt changes in the

river course. The main avulsion point, called "Arrombado Zé da Costa", is nowadays responsible for 70% of discharge,

shifting the Taquari main course.

Avulsion and shifting are natural phenomena in the evolution of the Taquari alluvial fan, but are now accelerated by

human occupation. Agricultural activities have increased erosion in the drainage basin and sediment imput to the

alluvial fan. In consequence, the Taquari River is being rapidly filled up with sands, causing shallowing and

navigability problems, triggering avulsion and enlarging floods in the lower fan.





MARGINAL EROSION AND LANDUSE IN THE

PEIXOTO RIVER BASIN - PRATA - BRAZIL

Baccaro, C.A.D.1 and Rocha, M.R.2 1Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brasil, [email protected]

2PET/CAPES, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil, [email protected]

The Peixoto River Basin is located in the municipal district of Prata in the state of Minas Gerais. The area in question is

within the morphosculptural group denominated The Triangulo Mineiro Residual Relief Area. The morphosculpture is

characterised by the relief testimony in the form of mesas and plateaus, with great cliffs, having at their bases detritus

deposits and wide, colluvial ramps. The declivity varies between 7° to 15° on the ramps and between 30° to 90° in the

cliff areas, with altitudes of between 600m to 650m.

The present study, starting from the perspective of georelief, takes into consideration the geomorphologic analysis along

with anthropic performance in the area leading to the disruption of the systemic balance of the landscape.

The accelerated processes of erosion are evidence of the instability of the landscape which, over the last 100 years has

been experiencing man's direct action, having practically the totality of its vegetation replaced by pasture land destined

for the purpose of raising cattle. The substitution of the savanna for pasture land together with the continual stamping of

the ground by cattle consequently compacted the soils, adding significantly to the runoff of the pluvial waters. In this

way, the speed of flow and the discharge accompanying torrential pluviometric events, characterised by its high energy

potential, can affect the whole transversal profile of the fluvial gutter. Most of the channels possess intermittent

segments that dry up during the prolonged dry period (May to September).

As a result, the marginal erosion processes of the drainage channels in the Peixoto River Basin set off in the last two

years are striking, evidence of which has been the continuous receding of the banks, accumulation of sand in canals,

waste deposits in the valleys and the jeopardizing water resources.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SAO

MIGUEL BASIN, JEQUITINHONHA VALLEY,

MINAS GERAIS

Bernal, N.A.H.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brasil, [email protected] / [email protected]

A basin in itself is a fundamental study unit to recognise morphogenetic processes. Geomorphologic analysis was used

to provide information about the basin characteristics, and to understand the landscape evolution. Sao Miguel River is

one of the principal tributaries of middle Jequitinhonha Valley. This basin is located between 16°25' and 16°52'

southern latitude and 40°45' and 41°16' western longitude. The basin has 2,200 km2 surface, which contains in itself two

different component landscapes, strongly related to the geological structures. The first component, at the eastern part of

the basin, belongs to the Jequitinhonha Depression, which presents a well defined stream-channel network along a

range of flatted forms. The channel-network on this first component has a medium drainage density and a marked

dendritic drainage pattern, E-W direction. The altitudes in this area range from 600m to 900m. It is caracterised by flat

hills, flat valleys and numerous occurrences of granite domes, formed under conditions of strong chemical weathering.

The western part of the basin, corresponding to the second component, belongs to the geomorphologic unit of

Jequitinhonha Plateau. It shows flat surfaces known as "chapadas" with average high of 500 m and maximum altitudes

of 900m. This is an area highly dissected, with a high density channel-network, dendritic drainage pattern and SE-NW

direction. The component's valleys are entrenched, and slopes quite steep. There exists large accumulations of

corestones at the Sao Miguel's river course, as well as on lower slopes around the massive domes, probably, settled

there by gravity.


All rights reserved




RIVER STYLES: A GEOMORPHIC TEMPLATE

FOR ANALYSIS OF BIOPHYSICAL PROCESSES

ALONG RIVER COURSES

Brierley, G. J.

Macquarie University North Ryde, Australia, [email protected]

River styles provide a geomorphic summary of river forms and processes within a reach. Assessment of river style is

determined by channel geometry (size and shape), channel planform, and the assemblage of geomorphic units that make

up a river reach (in both the channel and floodplain zones). Analysis of the character and condition of river styles entails

three stages, namely baseline survey of river character and behaviour within a catchment, assessment of river condition,

and prioritorisation of management efforts at river conservation and/or rehabilitation. The river styles procedure has

been trialed in various sand- and gravel-bed coastal river systems in New South wales, Australia. There are no obvious

reasons why this approach to catchment-framed analysis of river geomorphology could not be applied to river systems

in any geographic setting.

River styles are analysed within a nested hierarchical approach, showing the linkage of biophysical processes at

catchment, landscape unit, reach and geomorphic unit scales. The character and behaviour of river styles are

conditioned largely by the landscape units (or topographic setting) through which rivers flow. Distinct downstream

patterns have been identified, showing changes associated with valley width and stream power. Individual river styles

comprise mosaics of channel and floodplain geomorphic units. Downstream patterns, evolutionary trends, and the

relative condition (and recovery potential) of differing river styles form a biophysical basis for prioritorisation of

management efforts at river conservation and rehabilitation.

The geomorphic context within which river styles are analysed provides a basis to assess habitat availability along river

courses. As such, changes to the geomorphic structure of rivers have direct implications for the range, extent and

connectivity of habitat. These considerations are analysed through assessment of the condition of each reach of each

river style. In recent work, this framework has been extended as a biophysical platform to assess the impact of differing

water allocation strategies along river courses, through designation of representative sites for catchment-wide

monitoring programs.





ASSESSMENT OF SEDIMENT DELIVERY RATIO

IN LOESS PLATEAU, CHINA

Cai, Q.1 and Andrew Lo, A.K.F.2 1Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China

2Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan

The sediment delivery ratio is a crucial factor in conducting research in soil erosion and sediment yield relationship.

Most previous research only focused on the topography as well as other environmental influence on the sediment

delivery ratio. Many researchers compared its difference among drainage basins.

Experimental results at Yangdaogou, a tributary of the Wangjiagou drainage basin in the Loess Plateau, China, indicate

that the range of sediment delivery ratio changes with time. Based on the data collected from 1963 to 1968 at

Yangdaogou, the calculated long-term average sediment delivery ratio was close to 1.0. Due to temporary storage and

re-transportation in the bottom of the gully, inter-annual sediment delivery ratio ranged from 0.36 to 1.12. The range of

storm sediment delivery ratio was between 0.36 to 1.85. According to the X2 test, the frequency of storm sediment

delivery ratio followed a normal distribution N (1.02, 0.38). The mean, median, and mode were all around 1.0. Other

frequency of sediment delivery ratio for each storm can be calculated by the following probability function:

Correlation analysis between 11 causative parameters and the storm sediment delivery ratio showed a significant power

function relationship. The regression equation of storm sediment delivery ratio can be expressed as:

SDR = 0.0277R-0.29 C0.19 Sm0.59 (Ea/E)0.44

This equation has both a very high correlation coefficient and explicit physical meaning. Besides, the four selected

parameters can be easily obtained from field experiment stations. Calculation of storm sediment delivery ratio based on

this equation for more than 20 events between 1963 and 1968 have attained a very high degree of accuracy as compared

to the field data. It is feasible, therefore, to use this equation to predict the storm sediment delivery ratio and to explain

in some degree the mechanism of sediment delivery at Yangdaogou.





THE ANTONINA AND PARANAGUÁ BAY'S

REGION, BRAZIL: ENVIRONMENTAL ZONING

Canali, N.E.1, Oka-Fiori, C.1, Guedes, J.A.2, Nunes, F.G.2. 1LABOFIS/DGEOG/SCT/UFPR, Curitiba, Pr. Brasil, [email protected]

2PIBIC/CNPq/UFPR, Curitiba, Pr., Brasil, canali@geog,ufpr.br

The Paraná State coastland, located at the Brazil's southern region, have several special areas as the shore zones,

ecological reserves, protection areas as well as and tourist special reserve areas. Therefore, the objective of this

communication is to present the environmental zoning of the influence area of the Antonina and Paranaguá bays,

situated on the northern coastal zone of the Paraná state. The researched area is between 25°00' to 26°00' South Latitude

and 48°15' to 49°00' West Greenwich Longitude, pertaining to the Antonina, Morretes, Paranaguá and Pontal do Paraná

counties. The environmental zoning methodological approach have considered the relief patterns and the

geomorphologic properties of the drainage basins. These elements were correlated with the geological properties,

vegetation, terrain declivity and soils. Twenty nine drainage basins have been studied, whose hierarchy varied from 3rd

to 6th Sthraler's order. The analysis carried out confirmed that some parameters of the drainage net obey the Horton's

law regularity pattern for mountains or coastal zone models. The geomorphic analysis showed to be possible delimiting

the follow environmental zone: mountain zone, coastal plain zone ( sand bar plain and flood plain), and Mangrove

zone.

(Financier support by PIBIC/UFPR/CNPq and PADCT/NIMAD)





THE JOÃO FERREIRA CREEK, UPPER RIO DOCE

BASIN, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL: AN EXAMPLE

OF COARSE-GRAINED MEANDERING RIVER

Castro, P.T.A.

Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

The João Ferreira Creek, flows through around 7 km at the right side of Piranga River (upper Doce River). Along its

course, this creek cuts its older deposits, cutting terraces up to 20m high. In the scarps of these terraces it can be

identified sedimentary facies that show the changes that occur in this creek through times. At the feet of the scarp of the

older terrace sandy, pebbly sand and gravely facies occur. These facies are usually related to braided rivers. To the

upper part of this scarp the facies change to sandy and muddy facies usually related to meandering rivers. All other

terraces have sandy to gravely facies in their scarps.

The João Ferreira Creek shows internal and point bars, both types formed by sandy and gravely facies. Usually, more

typical shaped point bars are located upstream of the gorges that are formed when schists from the basement outcrop at

the channel level. Point bars show interlayered sandy and gravely horizontal or quasi-horizontal strata. Gravely strata

usually have clasts that show their ab plane with no dips. Sometimes, gravely strata are irregular in shape and seem to

be developed by the deposition of gravels upstream or even around the outsized clasts, usually boulders.

This research, still in development, suggests that the great number of boulders and gravel in this creek be due to the

release of them from the terraces. Nowadays, the lack of competence by this creek in moving gravel and boulders as

bed-load transport until reach the Piranga River is responsible for this unusual coarse-grained meandering river aspect.





EVOLUTION OF THE RIVERS SECCHIA AND

PANARO IN THE PO PLAIN IN THE 19TH AND

20TH CENTURIES (MODENA PROVINCE,

NORTHERN ITALY)

Castaldini, D. and Piacente, S.

Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italia, [email protected], [email protected]

The Rivers Secchia and Panaro are the main rivers of the Modena Province. Their Po plain stretches (about 100 km and

85 km long respectively) have two sectors whose geomorphological characteristics are different; in fact the rivers, near

the Apennine margin, are deepened in the alluvial plain while, in the mid-lower part of the plain, are hanging rivers

within artificial levees.

This study was based on detailed bibliographical research, examination of historical documents and maps, interpretation

of aerial photo-interpretation and field survey. From the first millenium B.C. to the 14th century A.D. the Rivers

Secchia and Panaro wandered within a rather wide area. Courses very similar to the present one were taken by the rivers

in the 14th-15th centuries, after several diversions.

As regards the evolution over the past two centuries, near the Apennine margin the rivers turned from a braided

riverbed to a channelised course subject to marked deepening. This modification was due to the gravels quarrying

activities along the riverbeds (particularly intense since the 1950s) and the construction of fluvial barrages. In the mid-

lower part of the plain, the rivers course have been conditioned by artificial meander cuts carried out to reduce flood

hazard. The R. Secchia meander cuts, carried out mainly in the mid-19th century, have shortened the river length by

about 10 km; the R. Panaro meander cuts, carried out at the end of the 19th century and in the beginning 1970s, have

shortened the river course by about 8 km. Since these cuts did not reduce adequately flood hazard, "flow regulation

systems" were constructed in the area of Modena along both rivers.

It can be stated that the present courses of the Rivers Secchia and Panaro in the Po Plain are the result of a series of

anthropogenetic interventions over the last centuries.





BRAZILIAN RIVERS: IMPACTS OF RIVERS

ENGINEERING AND THE POTENCIAL FOR

RESTORATION

Cunha, S.B.1 and Wharton, G. 2 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2University of London, London, U, [email protected]

This paper analyses the impact and degradation of some Brazilian large rivers as Paraná, Tocantins, São Francisco and

Teles Pires rivers, showing the need of restoring their natural characteristics and floodplain.

Restoration of large rivers has been practised in some countries. The experience of Germany, United State, United

Kingdon and Denmark are important examples. Restoration of large rivers in the sense of the return to the original

condition is still a big challenge because it is extremely complex, expensive and the background to predict success or to

monitor recovery is little (Gore and Shields, 1995).

In Brazil, both regulation and channellization have modified channels. As in other parts of the world, these experiences

have destroyed or degraded most river environments and the fish and wildlife habitats once provided by the rivers and

their floodplain wetlands.

River regulation has been applied to hydroelectric power generation and the country has around 65 rivers regulated by

plants above 10MW. Hydropower is the main primary source of renewable energy (62.07%) followed by wood

(21.39%) and sugarcane (16.53%).

River regulation has been implemented in relation to both large and medium-size rivers. The Southeast and South of the

country are the main areas of regulated rivers because they are the principal developed areas of the country and have

good environmental conditions, including favourable land and rivers inclination. These areas include the large Paraná

River and its tributaries, some secondary rivers that run to the Atlantic Ocean and the headwater of São Francisco River.

A small number of rivers have been regulated in the Northeast of the country and only recently, towards the end of the

1970s and 1980s, has the government tried to produce hydropower energy in the north of the country. Included in these

projects are the large Tocantins and Tapajós rivers and the medium-size Curuá and Ji-Paraná rivers.

River channellization has been effected in many lowland rivers for the proposes of irrigation projects, flood protection

(rural and urban areas) and to improve the health of the population by doing away with malaria and yellow fever. All

the main lowland rivers in the Northeast and Southeast of the country were channellized during the 1970s and 1980s

and recently, agro-cattle-raising projects have led to some rivers in the centre-west of the country, such as the Araguaia

and São Lourenço rivers, being channellized. Rivers in the Amazon basin have been protected from channellization.





DISSECTION PATTERNS AIDING GEOLOGICAL

MAPPING OF THE LOWER SOLIMÕES REGION -

AMAZON

Faria, M.M. and Gonzalez, S.R.

IBGE - Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, [email protected]

Fluvial landforms were analysed at regional scale in terms of their dissection, channel patterns and other geomorphic

features to give support to geomorphological and geological mapping of central Amazon. The confluence region of

Japurá and Solimões rivers and 200km downstream were studied using remote sensing (Landsat Thematic Mapper

images, radar mosaics, 1:250,000), hydrological map and also considering the information from RADAM project maps.

This area has been recently reinterpreted for SIVAM project and requires a high number of scenes due to its dense

rainforest cover and persistent clouds.

The Lower Solimões and the Japurá rivers develop a wide Holocene floodplain that crosses two sedimentary units of

the Solimões basin. On its north western to south eastern course, Solimões changes from meandering to braided pattern

and cut Tertiary sediments of the Solimões Formation on the right margin, and Pleistocene sediments identified as the

Içá Formation on the left margin. The first one can be identified based on its dissection pattern with a relatively high

drainage density. The drainage network is neotectonically controlled and two main directions of the streams were

observed: NE-SW for the main channels and lakes, and NW-SE for the secondary channels.

On the north eastern region, on the left margin, a reworked surface texture on image reveals a dissection pattern with a

lower drainage density, also presenting linear segments on its drainage network. The W-E and NW-SE directions mark

a recent morphotectonic evolution printed on the rivers. In addition, Pleistocene sediments show old meander scrolls

and paleochannels as common geomorphic features easily observed on images.

The remote sensing data is being extremely useful under a mega-geomorphology perspective, enabling strong

associations between the dissection patterns of the Lower Solimões region and their lithological units.





A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE CHANNEL

NETWORKS STRUCTURE OF A FIRST-ORDER

DRAINAGE BASIN, WESTERN PARANA STATE,

BRAZIL.

Fernandez, O.V.Q.

Unioste, Marechal Cândido Rondon, PR, Brasil, [email protected]

Field surveys were carried out between March to August 1998 to determine the drainage channel networks structure of

Meurir stream, a first-order basin located in Marechal Cândido Rondon county, Paraná State, Brazil. The stream has a

basin of 0.36 km2 and elevations vary from 350 to 410 m. The regional terrain is rolling to flat. The basin is

predominantly rangeland and farms. The area is underlain by cretaceous tholeiitic basalts. The region has a subtropical

climate with a average annual precipitation of about 1,200 mm. Channels length were mapped in the field with Brunton

compass and sources locations were made bi-weekly onto the basemap. These records were employed to determine the

extent of the channels types. The total length of drainage network in the study basin are 974 m. Perennial channels

constitute 324 m (33.3 %), intermittent channels 349 m (35,8 %) and ephemeral channels 300 m (30,8 %). Field

observations show that extent of channel flowing vary systematically with precipitation. For example, in August 23,

heavy rainfall (60 mm) have caused rapid upstream migration of sources. After some hours, the length of channel

flowing increases from 142 m (end point of perennial segment) to 428 m (end point of intermittent segment). The

relationship between extent of stream flow and the discharge is very close. Stream discharge was monitored in the

perennial segment and varied from 0.045 (July 25) to 19.530 l s-1 (August 23). This study have revealed a particular

structure of channel system in humid environment and variations in the length of channel flowing in a short period.





GEOMORPHIC APPROACH TO IDENTIFICATION

OF RIVER RECOVERY POTENTIAL:

APPLICATION IN BEGA CATCHMENT, SOUTH

COAST, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Fryirs, K.

Macquarie University North Ryde, Australia, [email protected]

River recovery occurs naturally as rivers adjust to disturbance. While many studies of river character and behaviour

have documented pathways of degradation (i.e. river metamorphosis), few studies have assessed the character, capacity

and stages of river recovery. In this paper, a generic procedure to analyse river recovery is developed and applied in

Bega catchment, on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Historical data and field analyses are used

to identify stages of river evolution throughout Bega catchment. From this, stages of river condition and pathways of

adjustment are assessed for three river styles at different positions within the catchment. The approach, which is based

on a geomorphic unit frame, and invokes principles of ergodic reasoning, directly links river forms and processes at

various stages of recovery. To differentiate among the various recovery pathways for each reach of a river, and assess

the potential of that reach to recover, two basic requirements must be met:

Detailed and fully documented evolutionary frameworks of river change

Appreciation and understanding of geomorphic linkages within a catchment, and associated limiting factors

which may inhibit recovery potential.

One degradation, and two recovery pathways have been identified. Reaches falling along the first recovery pathway are

adjusting back towards a restored condition, and those falling along the second are adjusting towards a new (or creation)

condition. The former is possible where rivers have proven remarkably resilient to change. The latter occurs in

catchments in which the boundary conditions (i.e. water and sediment transfer and riparian vegetation and CWD

loadings) have been fundamentally changed and hence river character and behaviour has been irreversibly altered.

While it is recognised that rivers adjust along an evolutionary continuum, whereby reaches of the same river style

display different conditions, in simplistic terms, snapshots along the evolutionary sequence are used to describe

different stages along the degradation and recovery pathways. To simplify the analysis, five stages of river condition

have been identified: intact, degraded, turning point, restoration and creation. Intact reaches operate in a self-adjusting

manner, whereby processes maintain the pre-disturbance geomorphic character of the reach. The processes occurring in

restoration reaches maintain and enhance the geomorphic structure of the reach. These reaches are moderately resilient

to change. Turning point reaches can recover or revert to a degraded state. Degraded reaches are often still adjusting to

disturbance and the processes of recovery have not yet begun and a creation reach has a self-adjusting character and

behaviour but operates under altered catchment boundary conditions (in terms of water and sediment transfer). Once

identified, each reach is placed on pathways of degradation and recovery, and predictions made about their direction of

change. The approach provides a solid basis to identify appropriate target conditions for river rehabilitation based on the

natural variability in river structure and flow, and the natural character of rivers in equivalent landscape settings. In

addition, it provides a geomorphic platform to assess the ecological recovery potential within a entire system.





DAMS, SAND-MINING AND SEDIMENTS - A

BUDGETING APPROACH FOR MGENI ESTUARY

NEAR DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Garland, G. & Moleko, L.

University of Natal, South Africa,: [email protected]

Demand for building sand remains high in the Durban region, although one of its main sources, the lower Mgeni River,

is threatened by Inanda Dam. Completed in 1988 at a site some 32 km from the river mouth, the dam may have

influenced bedload transport and deposition. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the dam had affected fluvial

sediment delivery to sand extraction sources below the dam, and to predict the likely affects of continued sand mining

on the Mgeni estuary. Bridge construction and canalisation of a section of the lower river reach have all influenced the

river in recent decades, and the situation is further complicated by a huge flood in 1987.

Re-examination of estuarine cross-sections originally surveyed prior to dam completion, comparison of current

estuarine sediment characteristics with those of pre-dam sediments, and a bottom survey of the Inanda Dam itself were

key elements in the analysis, conclusions and future predictions .

Mean annual discharge of the Mgeni river is estimated at 323 million m3 per year, and the best estimate of annual

sediment load, calculated from repeated bottom surveys of Inanda Dam, was 6,8 million tonnes. Tributaries entering the

river below the dam, which together drain 8,9 % of the total catchment, could yield up to 600 000 tonnes per year. Up to

1982 about 800 000 tonnes of building sand was being extracted from the river annually, nut by 1987 this figure had

fallen to 130 000 tonnes.

The study concluded that combined effects of the engineering modifications to the river, the 1987 flood and sand

mining have changed the nature of the sediment and the estuary considerably. Continued extraction of sand even at low

levels will result in estuarine scouring and a new equilibrium form probably within a decade. Complete cessation of

sand mining will delay this, but long term scouring will still occur, meaning that future plans for estuarine management

must take account of physical dynamism within the system.





MORPHOLOGY, DRAINAGE AREA AND FLOW

RELATIONS FOR BAHIA'S RIVERS

Genz, F. and Aquino, R.F.

Superintendencia de Recursos Hídricos - SRH/GEREI - Salvador/BA, Brasil, [email protected]

Some characteristics of river morphology depends on flow and relations have been established (Cristofaletti, 1981).

Besides this, the flow is influenced by the basin physical conditions, such as drainage area, topography, ground cover

and use. Furthermore, the basin area is one of the most important factors on the data transfer of regional flow

hydrological studies (e.g. Chow, 1964; Tucci, 1993).

Based on streamflow station field surveys and cartographic data analysis, this works presents relations derived for two

morphological river parameters (main river length and cross section width) as a function of basin drainage area for

different regions of Bahia. The relation between flow and drainage area is also presented.

As a result the equation like Y= a Ab showed good fit to the data. The relation between main river length (L) and

drainage area (A) was the best one. For different regions a and b have changed. For example, the Paraguaçu River that

runs to the Ocean and has headwaters in Chapada Diamantina resulted in the equation L = 1,175A0,555, while the

Corrente River Basin, which runs over a sedimentary plateau, left margin of São Francisco River, resulted in L= 16,44

A0,287.

The relations between the maximum discharge and drainage area were best fit to perennial rivers rather than intermittent

ones.





RIFFLE-POOL LANDFORMS AND FLOOD

HISTORY IN A DESERT GORGE, AUSTRALIA

Jansen, J.D.

Macquarie University, Australia, [email protected]

Some characteristics of river morphology depends on flow and relations have been established (Cristofaletti, 1981).

Besides this, the flow is influenced by the basin physical conditions, such as drainage area, topography, ground cover

and use. Furthermore, the basin area is one of the most important factors on the data transfer of regional flow

hydrological studies (e.g. Chow, 1964; Tucci, 1993).

Based on streamflow station field surveys and cartographic data analysis, this works presents relations derived for two

morphological river parameters (main river length and cross section width) as a function of basin drainage area for

different regions of Bahia. The relation between flow and drainage area is also presented.

As a results equation like Y= a Ab showed good fit to the data. The relation between main river length (L) and drainage

area (A) was the best one. For different regions a and b have changed. For example, the Paraguaçu River that runs to the

Ocean and has headwaters in Chapada Diamantina resulted in the equation L = 1,175A0,555, while the Corrente River

Basin, which runs over a sedimentary plateau, left margin of São Francisco River, resulted in L= 16,44 A0,287

The relations between the maximum discharge and drainage area were best fit to perennial rivers rather than intermittent

ones.





STREAM SOLUTE RESPONSE IN THE SMALL

POST-GLACIAL CATCHMENT, WEST

POMERANIA, POLAND

MazureK, M.

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland, [email protected]

Studies of the water circulation and leaching are usually carried out in mountainous and upland areas with thin layers of

skeletal soil and the river discharge controlled by the overland flow, throughflow, or flow from shallow groundwater.

The results presented in this study are representative of postglacial environments with highly variable geological

structure, permeable deposits, thick soil profiles, and high retentiveness of catchments. These conditions alter

fundamentally the time and pathways of water circulation, the spatial and temporal variability of fluvial transport, and

also the intensity of denudation.

The various forms of feeding a river channel, together with the availability of dissolved substances, are of fundamental

significance for the time of material supply from the catchment to the river channel as well as for the magnitude and

dynamics of transport. The aim of the present study was to gain an insights into the nature and dynamics of the flow of

dissolved substances in an environmentally heterogeneous postglacial catchment.

The field research was conducted in a small catchment drained by the Kluda River, Poland. This is a part of the upper

Parseta hydrographic system, which is considered to be representative of the postglacial lakeland zone of West

Pomerania and the Polish Plain. The study is based on hydrological and hydrochemical data from the period 1990 -

1993. Hydrological measurements carried out at a water-gauging station located on the 6.5th kilometre of the Kluda.

The variability of solute transport was determined on the basis of 83 periodic measurements taken in the water-gauging

profile closing the Kluda catchment. Temporal changes in the concentrations of selected chemical parameters of the

Kluda river were used as natural geochemical indicators of variability of chemical denudation processes in a postglacial

catchment in the temperate zone.

The periodic observations of the physico-chemical parameters of the stream water show low variability of total

mineralisation and the concentration of ionised silica as well as calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions. The slight

changes in the concentrations of compounds dissolved in the stream water indicate that in the range of discharge

registered during the research it is fed predominantly by groundwater. The high permeability of deposits, retentivity of

the substratum and mineral-organic deposits with a high groundwater level make it easy to "push out" the water present

in the catchment before precipitation, i.e. the "old" water.

In a catchment of low relief, with deep soils and important role of groundwater flow like the Kluda catchment, only a

small proportion of the variance in concentration may be explained by discharge. The high retentiveness of the

catchment system explains the absence of direct links between the magnitude of precipitation, the discharge, and water

chemistry in the river channel. The concentration - discharge relationships over long periods may be also obscured by

seasonal fluctuations due to biological or geochemical processes. Other factors that may control those relations include:

seasonal variations in ion concentrations resulting from their role in the biological cycle;

the chemical composition of precipitation water and the activation of dry deposition;

the feeding by water from the overland flow and throughflow, since it is enriched with compounds coming

from short-term and seasonal washout of salts;

effects of hysteresis which often explain why the connection between the ion concentration and the discharge is absent

or only loose, especially when we deal with seasonal measurements that do not embrace entire flood events.





ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF THE SOIL IN

DIFFERENT

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL/LITHOLOGICAL

COMPARTIMENTS

Pereira, A.F. and Cunha, S.B.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

The Piraputanga basin (170,82 km2) is located in Southwest of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The main river (Piraputanga

River) drains to the left margin of the Paraguay River and the soucers of the tributaries rise in the Mountainous

Province (680m).

This study aims to analyse the soil use in the basin, from 1968 to 1997, in the 5 geomorphlogical / lithological

compartments.

The compartments division was made using topographical maps (1:250.000), satellite image LANDSAT 1990

(1:100.000, bands 3, 4 and 5) and studies published by RADAMBRASIL (1982). The analysis of the soil use was made

from aerial pictures of 1968 (1:60.000/USAF) and satellite images of 1990 (1:100.000/LANDSAT) and 1997

(1:50.000/LANDSAT, bands 3, 4 and 5).

The results showed that in the anticlinal valley, with limestone, occurred a reduction in the gallery and tropical forests,

due to deforestation for the production of vegetable coal and to the expansion of the pasture. In the anticlinal valley with

borders sculpted in sandstone it was totally occupied by pastures, going up the hillsides in some points. In some places

the subsistence cultivation was preserved. In the synclinal valley in shale and siltite significant changes have not

occurred, however, the deforestation and the highway MT 126, among other factors, provoked erosion creating gullies

and rills. The largest modifications in the use and occupation of the soil happened in the depression in sand-clay

sediments, due to the expansion of the urban area, construction of the airport, besides the increase of the pasture. As a

consequence it was verified the reduction in the gallery forest, in the tropical forest and in the farming. In the floodplain

in fine sediments, the change was related to the substitution of the natural pasture for cultivated pasture, reducing the

valley forest.





THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FLUVIAL

SEDIMENTS IN THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL

EVOLUTION OF THE JACAREPAGUÁ LAGOON,

RIO DE JANEIRO

Senna, C.A.P. and Vicens, R.S.


The presence of barrier islands along coasts determines a change of processes, where the areas of the marine

sedimentation begin to receive sediments, which tend to be from continental origin. Thus, coastal lagoons begin to work

like "receiver tunks" of the waters that drain adjacent coastal plain and ranges that delimit it drainage basin and

consequently its hydro-sedimentological contribution area. The water like a connectivity element between natural

systems, works carrying inputs and outputs of energy and matter between landscape systems, being an excellent

indicator of the alterations in the diverse systems where it pass through.

The contributor drainage basins at Jacarepaguá Lagoon are in a growing state of degradation due to an inadequate land

use. A product of this inadequate land use is the alteration of the amount and quality of the sediments, which arrive at

the lagoon transported by fluvial channels, and which changes directly lagoonal sedimentation rates and consequently

its morphology. This paper analyses solid and liquid discharges and the satellite image interpretation of five catchments

with porposes of diagnostic some desequilibriums caused by crescent urban occupation of this area without a good

urban infrastructure.





URBAN DRAINAGE NET: MAN ACTION IN THE

THIRD ORDER CHANNELS - PAQUEQUER RIVER,

TERESÓPOLIS - RIO DE JANEIRO

Vieira, V.T. and Cunha, S. B.


The present paper shows the change process in seven third order channels, tributaries of the Paquequer River, where is

located Teresópolis city. The space perspective, considering punctual situations along the longitudinal profiles and the

historical perspective, considering modifications along 41 years (1956-1996), were analysed.

For the spatial analysis, the alterations were evaluated in the geometry, considering the variables collected in the field:

width, medium depth of the channel, medium depth of the channel in the water level, channel capacity, wet cross

section area, wet perimeter, hydraulic radius, basin area, medium velocity of the flow and discharge. The channel

balance was defined by the relationship between the channel capacity and the respective basin area.

For the temporal view, the growth of the impermeable areas was analysed, through aerial photographs, 1956 (1:33.000);

topographical map of Teresópolis, 1966 (1:50.000); aerial photographs, 1976 (1:40.000); satellite image SPOT, 1996

(1:50.000). The channel beds were reconstituted through aerial photographs, 1956 (1:33.000); municipal plans, 1971

(1:2.000) and aerial photographs, 1994 (1:8.000).

The seven third order channels showed narrowing in different points of the longitudinal profile, with consequent

channel capacity decrease. Increase of the impermeable areas in the basin was verified due to the urban growth, during

41 years. In 1996, the percentage of impermeable area ranged from 11,81% (basin of Paquequer Pequeno) to 53,80%

(basin of Meudon), with consequences to the drainage net, such as covering of the rivers by galleries, alignment of

buildings, bridges and houses.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE

HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN OF THE RIVER

TAPAGEM - RONDONIA

Zuffo, C.E.

Universidade Federal de Rondônia, RO, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

This paper is based on Scandolara (1990), RADAMBRASIL Project (1978), Nascimento et al (1977), Christofoletti

(1980), Soares and Fiori (1976) and Cunha (1995) and analyses the geomorphologic aspects of the Tapagem River,

Rondonia.

The identification of the morphological compartments of the basin was based on cartographic material and photo-

interpretation using 30 monocromatic aerial photographs (1964) at the approximate scale of 1:70,000 (CPRM-REPO).

The information was controlled with fieldwork.

Geomorphological map of the Hidrographic Basin of Igarapé Tapagem, in the district of Candeias do Jamari (RO),

between the latitudes 8°55'S and 9°21'S and longitudes 63°30' W and 63°40' W, in which the area is approximately

774,05 square kilometres. It is a system of sixth order, presenting three compartments with diversified characteristics in

relation to the slope angle and drainage density. The main topics are identified as well as sources and types of valleys

and other phenomena known regionally as "águas emendadas", "parana-mirins" and by field control, waterfalls, "terras

caídas", lakes, "furos", island and fluvial lands, which ended up in the referred river. We conclude that the

compartments I and III are more similar, while the II is peculiar because it is more fully accidental, needing special care

in the planning of its occupation.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Tectonics and Landscape Evolution

1. THE OROGRAPHY OF THE NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL AND THE CRUST-MANTLE INTERFACE RELIEF: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN GEOMORPHOLOGIC AND GRAVIMETRIC DATA

2. MORPHOTECTONIC COMPARTMENTS ALONG THE AMAZON RIVER 3. TOPOGRAPHIC, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL FORMS ON THE

DOMES PLATEAU OF ARCOS AND THEIR RELATIONS TO THE RECENT TECTONIC 4. TECTONICS AND PALEOGEOGRAPHY ALONG THE AMAZON RIVER 5. QUANTITATIVE GEOMORPHOLOGY TO DEFINE MORPHOTECTONIC SETTING: THE

CASE OF EASTERN ABRUZZO (CENTRAL ITALY). 6. TECTONIC CONTROLS ON MORPHOGENESIS AROUND SÃO CARLOS, RIO CLARO

AND PIRACICABA, SÃO PAULO STATE (BRAZIL) 7. MORPHOTECTONIC FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH MESOZOIC-CENOZOIC

REACTIVATION OF THE RIO BONITO FAULT (SP/RJ) 8. MORPHOSTRUCTURAL COMPARTMENTS OF UPPER SAPUCAÍ VALLEY, POUSO

ALEGRE REGION, MINAS GERAIS 9. ABRUPT FLUVIAL MIGRATIONS AND LAKE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AS

CONTROLLED BY QUATERNARY TECTONIC EVOLUTION (MIDDLE VALLEY OF THE DOCE RIVER, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

10. NEOTECTONIC INFLUENCE ON RIVER CAPTURE SYSTEMS IN THE PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER MIDDLE VALLEY (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

11. CENOZOIC TECTONIC CONTROLS ON RELIEF COMPARTMENTS IN THE MIDDLE VALLEY OF THE DOCE RIVER (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

12. LANDFORM MOSAIC RESULTING FROM THE CRETACEOUS AND CENOZOIC TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

13. MORPHOTECTONICS OF AN INTERNAL REGION OF PASSIVE MARGIN: THE MINAS GERAIS STATE (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

14. RECURRENT TECTONICS AND KARST GENESIS IN THE UPPER SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER BASIN, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

15. NEOTECTONIC CONTROL ON DRAINAGE NETWORK EVOLUTION IN THE AIURUOCA REGION, SOUTHERN MINAS GERAIS

16. RELIEF COMPARTMENTS IN THE MIDDLE VALLEY OF THE PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER AND NEIGHBOURING MOUNTAINOUS AREAS (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN PLATEAU) - MORPHOTECTONIC RELATIONSHIPS


All rights reserved




THE OROGRAPHY OF THE NORTHEASTERN

BRAZIL AND THE CRUST-MANTLE INTERFACE

RELIEF: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN

GEOMORPHOLOGIC AND GRAVIMETRIC DATA

Barros, S.D.S.1, Castro, D.L.1, Matos, R.M.D.2, Jardim de Sá, E.F.3, Saadi, A.4 1UFC, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

2PETROBRAS/EP-RNCE, Brasil, [email protected]

3Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, RN, Brasil, [email protected]

4Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

The Borborema, Ibiapaba and Araripe plateaus are extensive tracts of elevated lands (up to 950 meters high) in the

interior of the Northeastern Brazil, which have undergone epeirogenetic movements during the Cenozoic. The entire

region was previously deformed during the opening of the South Atlantic, in Cretaceous times, leaving behind

important tectonic scars.

Outstanding topographic features were developed by the Cenozoic regional epeirogeny. Among them, there is a major,

roughly ellyptical alignment of ranges around the Potiguar Basin, defining a large amphitheater surrounding the onshore

portion of the basin. This morphologic structure has a NE-trending symmetry axis which follows the Cretaceous rift,

being responsible for the capture of many rivers which flow to the north.

Isostatic modelling based on gravimetric data suggests a 30 km thick crust beneath the elevated areas and at least 2 km

of crustal thinning beneath the most topographically depressed regions.

The correlation between the major geomorphologic features and the variations in the crustal-mantle interface relief

suggests that the present orography of this northern domain of the Northeastern Brazil reflects the crustal response to

the Early Cretaceous extensional deformation.





MORPHOTECTONIC COMPARTMENTS ALONG

THE AMAZON RIVER

Bemerguy, R.L.1; Costa, J.B.S.1; Hasui, Y.2 and Borges, M.S.1 1Universidade Federal do Pará, PA, Brasil, [email protected]

2UNESP, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

This work constitutes an example of intraplate application of the modern concept of Structural Geomorphology, which

characterizes landforms and drainage patterns within the framework of the neotectonics of the Amazon region. The

neotectonics conception adopted here comprises the various structural systems, the sedimentary sequences, the land

systems and the pattern and anomalies of drainage which were developed during the late Tertiary and Quaternary.

Controversy is particularly intensive over the channel of the Amazon river, between the cities of Manaus and Belém,

where plains are found in uplifted areas and also a large diversity of drainage patterns and anomalies. The main goal of

our work is to establish a correlation between the complex geomorphological patterns and the structures derived from

the transcurrent movements of the Miocene-Pliocene and late Pleistocene-Holocene. This implies in a revision of the

concepts based on morphoclimatic conditions or in the domain of vertical movements.

The scale of the geomorphological problems dictated the methodology, on a regional basis, which led to the

characterization of six morphotectonic compartments as follows: Manaus-Nhamundá, Tupinambarana, Baixo-Tapajós,

Comandaí, Gurupá e Marajoara.

The development of these campartments is not directly related to the evolution of the northern and western borders of

the South-American plate.





TOPOGRAPHIC, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND

GEOLOGICAL FORMS ON THE DOMES PLATEAU

OF ARCOS AND THEIR RELATIONS TO THE

RECENT TECTONIC

Campos, A.B.

Universidade Federal de Goiás, GO, Brasil, [email protected]

In the state of Minas Gerais/Brazil, a plateau unit has been identified through geomorphological mapping, in the upper

basin of the Sao Francisco river. This unit was developed over granite rocks of the Divinópolis Complex and clay rocks

of the Bambuí Group. The occurrence of topographic variations, denudational processes with variable intensities, the

characteristics of the drainage and dissection patterns, and depositional forms indicate the presence of tectonic activity

during the Cenozoic. The neotectonic movements uplifted the Domes Plateau of Arcos and controlled the development

of sculptural forms.

The topographic variations caused by the distribution of granite rocks between the heights of 720 and 1020m, which

show a topographic unevenness of 300m in a stretch of approximately 7km on a map, reflect a tectonic dislocation due

to the domes uplifting in a small stretch of land.

The presence of an annular-radial drainage pattern, associated with V-shaped, downcutting and high hydraulic gradient

valleys, are signs of intense dissection processes related to uplifting.

Geomorphological forms which are sculptured on the granite dome, such as: dissection, terrace levels, intense

headwater erosion by the fluvial channels, gullies, narrow-topped dissected watersheds, fluvial valleys in closed V-

shaped, remains of planation surfaces associated with laterites levels forming rapids and local base levels controlling the

formation of alluvial plains segments, indicate that the dome has undergone uplifting.





TECTONICS AND PALEOGEOGRAPHY ALONG

THE AMAZON RIVER

Costa, J.B.S1; Bemerguy, R.L.1; Hasui, Y.2 and Borges, M.S.1 1Universidade Federal do Pará, PA, Brasil, [email protected]

1Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro-SP, Brasil, [email protected]

The main structural and geomorphological features along the Amazon river are closely associated with tectonic events

throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic.

The Mesozoic tectonic setting is characterized by two distinct extensional segments (Amazon and Marajó basins). The

Amazon basin is formed by NNE-SSW normal faults, which control the emplacement of dolerite dykes and the

deposition of the sedimentary pile. During the next subsidence phase, under low rate extension, probably in the early

Tertiary, much of the drainage systems reversed, directing the paleo-Amazon river to flow towards the east. The Marajó

basin encompasses NW-SE normal faults and NE-SW transcurrent faults. The normal faults controlled the deposition of

thick rift and post-rift sequences, and the emplacement of dolerite dykes. The Arari Lineament, which marks the

northwestern boundary of the Marajó basin, has been working as a linkage corridor between the paleo and modern

Amazon river and the Atlantic Ocean.

The neotectonic, from Miocene, comprises two sets of structural and geomorphological features. One set (Miocene-

Pliocene) encompasses two transpressive trending NE-SW domains and one transtensive trending NW-SE domaine,

which are linked to E-W and NE-SW right-hand strike-slip systems.. The second set (Pliocene-Holocene) refers to two

triple junctions of R-R-T and T-T-R types, and two large transtensive segments, which have controlled the orientation

of the modern drainage patterns.





QUANTITATIVE GEOMORPHOLOGY TO DEFINE

MORPHOTECTONIC SETTING: THE CASE OF

EASTERN ABRUZZO (CENTRAL ITALY).

Currado, C.; Del Monte, M.; Fredi, P. and Palmieri, E.L.

Universita "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

[email protected]

The relations between structural setting and morphological arrangement have been examined by means of

morphotectonic analyses in a study area of Central Italy, located between the Apennine Chain and the Adriatic Sea, and

corresponding to part of the Adriatic foredeep.

Previous morphotectonic researches performed on this area at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" made it possible to

identify three sectors which differ for their morphological and neotectonic style.

Starting from these results further investigations were carried out with the aim of highlighting the different features of

each sector and of defining more precisely the sector boundaries. This study utilized landform analyses that focus on the

response of drainage patterns to topographic variations created by structural arrangement in general and active tectonics

in particular. Several morphotectonic parameters have been calculated, such as amplitude of relief, asymmetry factor

and transverse topographic symmetry factor. Their values showed areal variation in relation with the different sectors

experiencing tilting and differential uplift. Moreover, the statistical analysis of stream directions evidenced that

drainage network preferential orientations - and of the first order channels in particular - show a rotation moving from

North to South, which suggested the possibility that the boundary between the northern and the central sector is

represented by a right-lateral strike slip fault.

References

BELISARIO F., DEL MONTE M., FREDI P., FUNICIELLO R., LUPIA PALMIERI E. & SALVINI F. (1997) -

Azimuthal analysis of stream orientations to define regional tectonic lines. Geogr. Fis. Dinam. Quat., Suppl. III, I, 74-

75.

CENTAMORE E., CICCACCI S., DEL MONTE M., FREDI P. & LUPIA PALMIERI E. (1996) - Morphological and

morphometric approach to the study of structural arrangement of the northeastern Abruzzo (central Italy).

Geomorphology, 16, 127-137.

COX R. T. (1994) - Analysis of drainage-basin symmetry as rapid techniqueto identify areas of possible Quaternary tilt-

block tectonics: an example from Mississippi Embayment. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 106, 571-581.

CURRADO C. & FREDI P. (1999) - Morphometric parameters of drainage basins and morphotectonic setting of

eastern Abruzzo. Mem. Soc. Geol. It. (in press).

KELLER E. A. & PRINTER N. (1996) - Active Tectonics . Prentice Hall (Ed), 338 pp.





TECTONIC CONTROLS ON MORPHOGENESIS

AROUND SÃO CARLOS, RIO CLARO AND

PIRACICABA, SÃO PAULO STATE (BRAZIL)

Facincani, E.M.1,2; Morales, N.1 and Ribeiro, L.F.B.1 1Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brasil

This work presents results related to morphogenesis, recent sedimentary deposits and their tectonic control in the region

of São Carlos, Rio Claro and Piracicaba, São Paulo State (Brazil). The investigation is based on geological and

geomorphological maps with emphasis in the drainage pattern and its anomalies, and also major lineaments and terrain

digital modelling. The main recognized structural features are joint systems with directions NW-SE, NE-SW, N-S and

E-W, with associated normal and or transcurrent faults. Cenozoic deposits lie over four distinct geomorphologic levels

since the tops until the alluvium plains. They are distributed in a discontinuous arrangement forming structural or

lithologic steps controlled by the major lineaments. Those deposits are composed by basal conglomerate and upper

sandy-argilaceous units, associated with debris flow and locally aqueous flow. Drainage net, relief sculpture and

Cenozoic sedimentary covers distribution show strong controls along lineaments, associated with tilting or collapse of

blocks, promoting channel lateral migration, abandoned meanders, drainage captures and asymmetric valleys, triangular

or trapezoidal facets and related dejection fans. This association points to neotectonic activity, related to the drift and

rotation of the South American Plate towards west.

*Supported by FAPESP-Project-95/4417-3





MORPHOTECTONIC FEATURES ASSOCIATED

WITH MESOZOIC-CENOZOIC REACTIVATION

OF THE RIO BONITO FAULT (SP/RJ)

Gontijo, A.H.F.1; Hasui, Y.1; Morales, N.1; Jimenez-Rueda, J.R.1; Borges, M.S.2 and Costa,

J.B.S.2 1Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade Federal do Pará, PA, Brasil

The Rio Bonito fault belongs to the group of Precambrian shear zones with direction NE-SW, reactivated by the

extensional tectonic event associated with rupture of the Gondwana continent, which structures are responsible for the

evolution of the Brazilian south-southeastern landforms. This fault is a bend of the Taxaquara fault developed near to

Campos da Cunha (RJ) that, following the strike NE, crosses adjacent to the São José do Barreiro (SP), up to Volta

Redonda (RJ), limiting the homonymous basin at northwest. Geomorphologic elements, configuring morphotectonic

features, observed along the fault, exhibit indications that the reactivation is still in course, associated with the

compressive couple NW-SE. The main features of reactivation are slickensides, asymmetries of the Barreiro de Baixo

river valley that fit along to this fault, drainage anomalies and specific landforms. Outstanding features can be observed

like lateral stream migrations associated with tilting of blocks to NW and SE, knick points, meander scars belts that

eventually becomes to oxbows lakes, belts of well defined meanders, ruptures of terraces, drainage captures creating

elbows and wind gaps, deflection and offsets drainage along the line of strike slip fault NE-SW and E-W. The

morphotectonic features are identified by aligned suspended hollows, shutter ridges, gullies and triangular facets with

evolution associated with the Holocene erosion of the fault scarp. The erosion was responsible for a large deposition of

alluvium-colluvium sediments along both valleys and hollows. Active compressible stress are suggested by the abrupt

vertical incision of the drainage in the floodplain of Barreiro de Baixo river, terraces and, eventually, in Holocene

colluvium fans. This tectonics promotes warping in the area, as well as the rearrangement of alternate blocks, as

observed in the Brazilian Platform.

*Supported by FAPESP, process 95/04417-3.





MORPHOSTRUCTURAL COMPARTMENTS OF

UPPER SAPUCAÍ VALLEY, POUSO ALEGRE

REGION, MINAS GERAIS

Marujo, M.F.; Pires Neto, A.G.; Hasui, Y. and Morales, N.

Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

Geomorphologic studies in the Pouso Alegre (MG) region show four morphologic units related to tectonics lineaments

revealing ancient structures (E-W and ENE-WSW).

Unit I - RANGE OF CERVO - it has trends of strike-slip faults related to Espírito Santo do Dourado (E-W) and

Senador José Bento faults, with the drainage associated with these directions. Mounts, Mountains and low Mounts

landform types are associated with this unit, showing aligned hanging valleys, steps in the river longitudinal profile and

drainage captures.

Unit II - ELONGATED LANDFORMS SHARED BY CERVO, MANDU AND TURVO RIVER VALLEYS - limited

at North by Jacutinga fault (E-W) and at South by Monte Siao fault (ENE-WSW). The Jacutinga fault produces

negative breaks of slope along the Cervo River valley extension, with steps of scarps, showing surfaces inclined to NW.

In those surfaces it is identified a meander scars belt associated with the tilting and with the Cervo River migration.

Unit III - LOW HILLS - limited at North by Monte Siao fault (ENE-WSW) and at Southeast by Camanducaia fault

(NE-SW) it has a lowered convex hill relief and, on the other hand, no slope breaks associated with the thick colluvial

material.

Unit IV - MOUNTS AND MOUNTAINS - it is characterized by an high block elongated in the NE-SW direction,

limited at North by Monte Sião fault (ENE-WSW) and at Southeast by Senador Amaral fault (NE-SW). Along the last

direction are associated spurs of the more important scarps, characterized by great valleys with an evident erosion

(dissection) with discontinuous deposits and thin material. Triangular facets, hanging valleys filled by colluvium-

alluvium material, dry valleys, valley asymmetry are associated with these characteristics revealing recent tectonic

activities.





ABRUPT FLUVIAL MIGRATIONS AND LAKE

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AS CONTROLLED BY

QUATERNARY TECTONIC EVOLUTION (MIDDLE

VALLEY OF THE DOCE RIVER, SOUTHEASTERN

BRAZIL)

Mello, C.L.1; Metelo, C.M.S.1; Castro, F.G.1; Suguio, K.2 and Kohler, H.C.3 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil

3Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG,Brasil

Remarkable geomorphologic and sedimentologic features observed in the middle valley of the Doce river (Minas Gerais

State, Southeastern Brazil) have supported discussions concerning to paleoclimatic and neotectonic controls on the

Cenozoic evolution. The most impressive feature is represented by a Quaternary barred lake system. Many authors have

related the origin of the lakes to the damming of the mouth of tributary valleys by an intensive sedimentation at main

channels. Another important feature corresponds to distinctive paleochannel traces developed on large infilled valleys

which are parallel to the present course of the Doce river. These paleovalleys are bordered by lakes. This work presents

new evidences of neotectonic controls on the development of these geomorphologic features. Detailed geomorphologic

and structural analysis support neotectonic interpretations. Seismic stratigraphic survey of the main lacustrine body in

the lake system (Dom Helvécio Lake) was carried out and has revealed meaningful submerged features. It is proposed

that the beginning of the lacustrine evolution was influenced by an early Holocene E-W dextral transcurrent tectonic

stage that strongly affects Pleistocene deposits. It would have obstructed the flowoff of the tributary drainages and

promoted the filling up of the main fluvial valleys by a relatively thick Holocene alluvial sequence. The paleochannel

traces are developed on this alluvial sequence and so they are younger than this deposition. The abandonment of the

infilled valleys is directly related to the lake damming and both are controlled by neotectonic mechanisms. They are

related to an abrupt migration of the Doce river channel that is controlled by an Holocene NW-SE extensional tectonic

stage. Seismic profiles at the mouth of the Dom Helvécio Lake document a remarkable NE-SW normal fault related to

this neotectonic stage. This extensional phase was responsible for the isolation of the lakes from the fluvial system

leaving lacustrine bodies aligned in NE-SW direction, parallel to the paleochannel directions.

*Supported by FAPESP, CAPES and CEPG-UFRJ.





NEOTECTONIC INFLUENCE ON RIVER CAPTURE

SYSTEMS IN THE PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER

MIDDLE VALLEY (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

Mello, C.L; Metelo, C.M.S.; Rodrigues, L.F. and Carmo, I.O.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

This work aims to analyze the influence of neotectonic mechanisms on the development of distinctive river capture

patterns in the Paraíba do Sul river middle valley. This area is inserted in the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil

(CRSB), that corresponds to a block-faulted morphology originated by a NW-SE extensional tectonic regime during

Eocene/Oligocene times. The resulting morphology is characterized by mountainous escarpments alternate to Cenozoic

sedimentary basins. The area is dominantly constituted of Precambrian crystalline rocks (biotite gneisses and

migmatites) with a well-marked NE-SW orientation related to metamorphic foliation, ductile shear zones and

transcurrent faults. The regional landscape evolution is more influenced by Cenozoic tectonic events than lithologic

variations. By detailed analysis of the regional drainage network, three river capture systems could be distinguished.

Allostratigraphic analysis of the Cenozoic deposits and structural analysis of the joints and faults affecting them support

the interpretations about neotectonic controls and its chronologic ordenation. An older river capture system is marked

by abrupt inflections of the major fluvial courses mainly to NW direction. The most impressive example of this system

is the Barreiro de Baixo river inflection. The supposed paleovalley preserves a thick succession of Tertiary sediments.

This capture system is tentatively related to a NW-SE extensional stress caused by a Neogene (Pliocene?) sinistral E-W

transcurrence. Another capture system is characterized by SW and NE orientations and affects a large number of low-

hierachy drainages and the traces of main fluvial courses. It seems to be controlled by NW-SE structures and leaves

Pleistocene deposits at the divide position. The structural control and morpho-allostratigraphic relationships led to relate

this capture system to a Pleistocene/Holocene E-W dextral transcurrence. It is better distinguished on the northern

border of Resende basin. A more recent capture system is characterized by orientations mainly to SE and less prominent

to NW and by the ocurrence of Holocene alluvial deposits at divide positions. The divide of Barreiro de Baixo and

Piracema rivers is the best example of this system, that is caused by NE-SW normal faulting related to an Holocene

NW-SE extensional event.





CENOZOIC TECTONIC CONTROLS ON RELIEF

COMPARTMENTS IN THE MIDDLE VALLEY OF

THE DOCE RIVER (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

Mello, C.L.1; Rodrigues, L.F.1; Suguio, K.2 and Kohler, H.C.3 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil

3Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil

The middle valley of the Doce river is situated at the central to eastern portion of the Minas Gerais State (SE Brazil) and

corresponds to a depressed area associated with a tectonically-controlled evolution during Cenozoic times. In this area,

it was carried out a regional geomorphologic investigation based on the analysis of the altimetric variations and on the

fluvial dissection degree. Detailed structural analysis of the joints and faults affecting Cenozoic sediments support the

interpretation of the neotectonic controls on relief compartmentalization. Three major geomorphologic compartments

could be distinguished, as following: a) Doce River Middle Valley (MVRD) Depression, that is characterized as an hilly

domain with altimetric ranges between 200 and 500 meters and low fluvial dissection (from 50 to 200 meters of

altimetric difference associated with fluvial dissection); b) High Topographic Domain at the Eastern Side of the MVRD

Depression, characterized by altimetric ranges between 500 and more than 1,100 meters and medium to high fluvial

dissection (from 200 to 400 meters); and c) High Topographic Domain at the Western Side of the MVRD Depression,

characterized by altimetric ranges between 500 and 1,100 meters and high fluvial dissection (from 200 to more than 400

meters). This main relief compartmentalization can be related to a first Cenozoic tectonic phase (Neogene E-W sinistral

transcurrence). The NW-SE distensive stress associated with this tectonic event results on the main NNE-SSW

orientation of the major high and low topographic blocks which represent a block-faulted morphology. Remarkable

NW-SE to E-W segmentation of the major compartments is controlled by tectonic structures associated with a second

Cenozoic tectonic phase (Pleistocene to early Holocene E-W dextral transcurrence). This tectonic event has greatly

influenced on the development of a regional lacustrine system and on the retention of a relatively thick Holocene

depositional package. The final damming of the lacustrine bodies has been documented as controlled by a third

Cenozoic tectonic event, that is characterized as an Holocene NW-SE extensional phase.

*Supported by FAPESP, CAPES and CEPG-UFRJ.





LANDFORM MOSAIC RESULTING FROM THE

CRETACEOUS AND CENOZOIC TECTONIC

EVOLUTION OF SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Motta, M.1, Eirado, L.2, Tupinambá, M.2 and Almeida, J.2 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

1Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

The NE trending structural framework of the crystalline rocks that occur between the Coastal Plain, the Mar and

Mantiqueira mountain ranges and the Paraíba do Sul river valley is inherited from the Neoproterozoic to Ordovician

Western Gondwana assembly, during the Brasiliano Orogeny. At Cretaceous, huge NW trending hog-back morphology

had modified the landform. It represents the continuation to the continent of structural highs that separate marginal

basins of the same age at the South Atlantic passive margin. The Cabo Frio High separates Santos and Campos

marginal basins since late Cretaceous and can be identified in the continent by drainage basin organization in the

Paraíba do Sul valley. Hydrologic convergence areas had evolved at the base of steep scarps near Tres Rios, Volta

Redonda-Resende, Taubaté regions, respective to Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro and Queluz highs. Similar features occur at

the Coastal Plain, associated with the Guanabara and Sepetiba bays. The Tertiary tectonics rearranged the drainage

network, increasing the topographic gradient and the erosional-depositional activities. Sedimentary deposits have filled

the resulting basins (Taubaté, Resende, Volta Redonda and Guanabara). The Barra Mansa transfer zone displaced the

rifting axis to SE, close to the coast, in a way that no sediment deposits have formed at Tres Rios area, probably due to a

less effective Tertiary tectonics. The Paraiba do Sul Delta is a late Cenozoic feature, which indicates that the present

drainage basin is a consequence of a capture along a Neoproterozoic vertical shear zone during Neogene times.

Therefore, at Southeastern Brazil we can observe relict Cretaceous and reworked Cenozoic land surfaces. In this way,

the Paraíba do Sul valley landscape may be considered as a mosaic of landforms with different slope evolution along

the geological time.





MORPHOTECTONICS OF AN INTERNAL REGION

OF PASSIVE MARGIN: THE MINAS GERAIS

STATE (SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL)

Saadi, A. and Costa, R.D.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

The São Francisco Craton (CSF) is the main geological unit of Minas Gerais State. Morphologically, the CSF

constitutes a huge N-S depression, the São Francisco River valley, bordered by two tilted plateau, the Planalto do

Espinhaço at east and the Planalto do Alto Paranaíba at west. These highlands resulted from Neogene uplift of the

folded belts frontal parts that deformed the CSF margins during the Upper Proterozoic. This uplift took place after the

Late Cretaceous-Paleocene planation (Sul-americana Surface, King 1956) responsible for the stronger flattening of the

Brazilian Platform. Resulting from the same evolution, the two southeastern coastal ranges (Serra do Mar and Serra da

Mantiqueira) correspond to uplifted blocks confining the Paraíba do Sul Rift valley (Almeida 1976), which was filled

by Paleogene continental sediments with a couple of 100 meters thick. Along the CSF southern margin, the end of this

morphotectonic event is recorded by the formation of Sao Joao del Rei Rift Zone-SJRRZ (Saadi 1991), which exhibits

fluvio-lacustrine sediments with more than 120 meters thick. Analysis of pollens extracted from lignite indicates an

Oligocene-early Miocene age (R. Maizzato - UFOP, 1998), similar to the sediments of Tertiary basins on the east part

of Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Gorceix 1889). The main part of these morphotectonic features results from a morphogenesis

under hot-humid climate and compressive tectonics characterized by Saadi (1991) for the Minas Gerais State and Costa

et al. (1998) for its southern portion. Basseto & Szatmari (1997) describe compressive structures into the ocean crust of

the southeastern Brazilian margin compatible with the continental evolution presented here. Their sedimentary data

indicates the development of this structure since the Oligocene until today.

*Supported by FAPEMIG and PRPQ/UFMG





RECURRENT TECTONICS AND KARST GENESIS

IN THE UPPER SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER BASIN,

SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Saadi, A.; Morais, M.S. and Cardoso, G.G.G.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

The Arcos-Pains-Doresópolis Karstic Province is located along the southwestern border of the Sao Francisco Craton-

CSF, which is drained by tributaries of the upper São Francisco river valley. The karst is developed on limestones and

dolomites of Bambuí Group (Upper Proterozoic). This stratigraphical unit also includes phyllites and is installed over

Archean granites and gneisses. The Precambrian deformation includes thrust and strike-slip faults, as well as folds

affecting the rocks of Bambuí Group in some areas.

Morphologically, it is a typical humid tropical karst characterized by towers and a great variety of dolines, formed in

many different ways (collapse, solution and subsidence) and situated on plateaus and hilly compartments. More than 60

mapped caverns are organized into three altitudinal subterranean levels corresponding to stages of baselevel lowering,

which constituted the responses of the Sao Francisco river entrenchment to the Cenozoic uplift pulses. This evolution is

analyzed in basis of the terrace system installed at borders of a 100 meters high karstic canyon.

Morphotectonic studies involving interpretation of aerial photographs, geomorphological mapping and field survey of

neotectonic structures, including statistical analysis of its relations with karstic features (dolines and caves) show:

the area was updomed several times resulting from NW-SE to W-E compressive stress field;

the main axis of updoming, oriented N-S, constitutes an inheritance of the Upper Proterozoic compressive

deformation which Cenozoic reactivation has controlled the formation of several old caverns;

the canyon was formed by down-cutting process into limestones and phyllites;

two N35-40W oriented depressions correspond to Upper Cenozoic grabens generated by the reactivation of a

N50W oriented strike-slip shear zone (Crustal Discontinuity of Upper Sao Francisco River-DCARSF, Saadi

1991);

the formation of more recent dolines and caves is predominantly controlled by the neotectonic N35-40W

normal faults.

*Supported by PRPQ/UFMG and Fundo Academico/UFMG 1999





NEOTECTONIC CONTROL ON DRAINAGE

NETWORK EVOLUTION IN THE AIURUOCA

REGION, SOUTHERN MINAS GERAIS

Santos, M.1; Hasui, Y.1; Morales, N.1 and Garcia, M.J.2 1Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

2UnG

The Aiuruoca region involves part of Mantiqueira Range (from 1.800 to 2.350 m high) and Alto Rio Grande Plateau

(from 900 to 2.000 m high) presenting a complex morphotectonic framework which resulted from two tectonic events

(Paleogene and Neogene-Quaternary). The events were recognized by faults mapping and control on drainage

rearrangement and distribution and deformation of superficial deposits. The first one, extensional, is related to the

Atlantic opening processes, and the second one, transcurrent, to intraplate neotectonics.

The Cenozoic tectonic activity modified the landscape by rearrangements of drainage and relief forms, preferencially

along the dextral ENE-WSW and E-W transcurrent zones originated or reactivated during the rifting in Late

Cretaceous-Early Tertiary.

The progressive advance of fragmentation towards the hinterland in the Paleogene implicated truncation, tilting and

subsidence of ENE blocks, and progressive migration of regional divide to this direction causing parcial capture of the

upper interior hydrographic basins by headward retreat that inverted their flow.

Since Late Tertiary, the area has been submitted to transcurrent tectonics with transpressional component and

reactivation of earlier structures, with differential uplift of ENE blocks and increasing tilting towards NNW, inverting

the tendency of divide migration. This process has provided the rearrangement of the upper basins of the Grande, Preto

and Ingaí rivers by capture, diversion and beheading processes indicated by asymmetry and morphological and

geological features, with growth of the Aiuruoca basin. Two captures was dated by C14 of organic horizons and

paleosoils with 30.070 ± 370 and 7.300 ± 80 y. B.P., and the palaeoenvironment was reconstituted by palynologic

analysis.

This activity persists nowadays as indicated by imminent drainage rearrangement processes.

*Supported by FAPESP (95/04417-3) and CNPq (142263/1995-8)





RELIEF COMPARTMENTS IN THE MIDDLE

VALLEY OF THE PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER AND

NEIGHBOURING MOUNTAINOUS AREAS

(SOUTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN PLATEAU) -

MORPHOTECTONIC RELATIONSHIPS

Silva, T.M.; Mello, C.L.; Carmo, I.O. and Moura, J.R.S.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

[email protected]

A map of relief compartments based on the fluvial dissection degree analysis was elaborated for the region of the

Paraíba do Sul river middle valley and neighbouring mountainous areas. The studied area includes the coastal mountain

ranges of "Serra do Mar" and "Serra da Mantiqueira" as well as the adjacent hinterland hilly areas, in the limits of São

Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states. The geologic setting is characterized by Precambrian crystalline

basement transected by transcurrent faults and shear zones with NE-SW orientation. During the Meso-Cenozoic an

important tectonic reactivation occurred and was responsible for the formation of remarkable geological features: the

uplifting of the "Serra do Mar" and "Serra da Mantiqueira" and installation, between them, of the Continental Rift of the

Southeastern Brazil (CRSB), with ENE direction, where the Paraíba do Sul river is installed. The three major relief

domains are stood out in the produced map, where some conspicuous aspects, not emphasized in previous studies, can

be observed, as the E-W orientation of the major compartment limits. The relief compartments are mostly controlled by

NE-SW, NW-SE and E-W structures. Their spatial arrangement reproduce a rhomboidal structural pattern that is related

to the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Southeastern Brazil, where the rhomboidal features are limited in the eastern

and western sides by NE-SW lineaments associated with the reactivation of Precambrian structures, and in the northern

and southern sides by transference zones with E-W orientation, formed during the Atlantic Ocean opening and

reactivated during the drift phase.

*Financial support by CNPq, FUJB-UFRJ and CEPG-UFRJ.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Coastal Geomorphology

1. SHOREFACE SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION AND ASSOCIATED BEACH MORPHODYNAMIC STATE OF THE RIO DAS OSTRAS - CAPE BÚZIOS EMBAYMENT (RIO DE JANEIRO-BRAZIL)

2. MONITORING OF EROSION OF IPANEMA AND ARPOADOR BEACHES , RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BRAZIL

3. GEOMORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION OF THE LONG ISLAND - COAST OF SAO PAULO/BRASIL

4. GEOMORPHOLOGIC CHANGES IN THE ITAIPU LAGOON (NITERÓI / RJ) RESULTING FROM ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITY

5. GEOMORPHOLOGIC CRITERIA FOR THE MORPHODYNAMIC ZONING OF CANTABRIAN COAST ESTUARIES

6. DETERMINATION OF THE BEACH MORPHODYNAMIC STATE: A NEW APPROACH WITH BETTER RESULTS?

7. A REVISION OF THE NAMES OF SUBMARINE FEATURES IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTINENTAL MARGIN AND ADJACENT AREAS

8. EVOLVING TEMPORAL/SPATIAL CONCEPTS IN COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

9. THE NATURAL SYSTEMS OF SANTA CATARINA COAST 10. RECENT AND ANCIENT SEDIMENTS IN THE JAGUARIBE RIVER MOUTH AND

ADJACENT AREAS: RE-DIMENSIONING THE ROLE OF THE AEOLIAN ACTION IN THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE EASTERN COAST OF THE CEARÁ STATE, NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL

11. GEOMORPHIC INDICATORS OF NET LONGSHORE DRIFT CELLS USING REMOTE SENSING: A REVIEW AND A NEW APPROACH

12. GEOMORPHOLOGIC ASPECTS OF THE AMAZON CONE OBTAINED THROUGH INTEGRATION OF BATHYMETRIC DATA

13. RESPONSE OF THE MANGROVES TO THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES ON THE SAO MATEUS RIVER MOUTH, ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

14. MORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION IN THE ARARUAMA LAGOON, RIO DE JANEIRO STATE - BRAZIL

15. ISLAND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENT RESPONSES-EXAMPLE FROM COMPARITIVE STUDIES


All rights reserved




SHOREFACE SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION AND

ASSOCIATED BEACH MORPHODYNAMIC STATE

OF THE RIO DAS OSTRAS - CAPE BÚZIOS

EMBAYMENT (RIO DE JANEIRO-BRAZIL)

Fernandez, G.B. and Muehe, D.


Beach and shoreface grain size as also topography and morphodynamic state along part of the beach arc in the Rio das

Ostras-cape Búzios embayment are strongly dominated by the deposition of fine sediments provenient from the Sao

Joao river. Sandy sediments dominate the northern upper shoreface while the southern upper shoreface is covered by

muddy sediments. Relict coarse to very coarse sands occurs at the middle to lower shoreface. Influence of river

sediments become increasingly significant to beach and shoreface morphology from the middle of the beach arc in

direction to the south. Northward of the Sao Joao river mouth the beach is coarse grained with a steep beach face,

narrow beach berm and almost absence of a surf zone. Upper shoreface is also coarse grained and steep. Southward of

the river mouth, in the direction of net suspended sediment transport, the beach becomes increasingly finer grained and

the topographic profile gradually flattened as also the shoreface, with the beach stage changing to dissipative.





MONITORING OF EROSION OF IPANEMA AND

ARPOADOR BEACHES , RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ,

BRAZIL

Guerra, M.A.J.


The actual erosive phase of the east part of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro State has started during the year of 1997 and,

became extreme after March of 1999.

Photographic documentation has been realized from 1997 and compared with pictures and satellite images took before.

The natural anomalies in sedimentary transport cycle and in the sea level are yielding the intense erosion on the littoral

of Rio de Janeiro City and others, in the southeast coast of Brazil, classified as an environmental impact. There is

erosion beyond the foundations of life-guard spot houses N. 8 at Ipanema beach and N. 13 at S. Conrado beach, where

the seawall protections and the walkways breakdown. In these beaches, the berm sands get out, the sea acts directly on

the seawall and at Arpoador beach occurred a rupture connected with the destruction of the last ramp access to this

beach, where escape the soil material and the walkway gone under. In Ipanema beach, a layer of gross material of

artificial embankment, the tubes of submarine sewage outfall and dangerous steel planks have been exposed. The

quality of these beaches, as resort, deteriorated.

During the year 1997, erosive phases seemed to have been caused by natural anomalies on the alongshore transport, that

are added to the intense erosive phase started in the middle of March of 1999. This erosion, specially strong between 18

and 19 of April of 1999, was caused mainly by the high waves associated with the rising of sea level, basically a storm

surge. This surge has commonly components of wave set-up, wind set-up and the rise of sea level as a result of an

atmospheric cyclone low pressure area, that moves against the coast, surrounded by high pressure areas offshore, that

yields a hump in the sea surface. The coincidence with a phase of high water spring level occurred.

Other possible component of erosion cause must be the out of phase of the normal storm season in relation with the

monthly sea level distribution along the year. The normal storm's season is mainly during July and August, the

minimum monthly normal sea level is during August to September and the peak of maximum monthly normal sea level

is during May in the southeast Brazilian coast. The time lag is probably connected with large-scale phenomena like El

Nino in 1997 and La Nina in 1999, when strongest annual storms occurred in the end of May.

The history of the city remembers us, in the past recent, some inclination of buildings on the coast, function of static

and dynamic pressures in the soil, due respectively to the rise of sea level and to the waves, that communicate indirectly

its hydraulic loads through the beach ridge, where the buildings lie.





GEOMORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION OF THE LONG

ISLAND - COAST OF SAO PAULO/BRASIL

Henrique, W. and Mendes, I.A.

Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro/SP - Brasil, [email protected]

Understand the dynamics that governs the physical attributes of the environment is indispensable in every planning

work and environmental management. This understanding assumes larger importance in coastal areas face the speed of

the action of agents that there act. This process materializes in the relief transformations along the time. For this work,

the Long Island was defined, with 74 Km of coast line, as study area. Located in the coast south of the State of São

Paulo, this barrier island was formed by marine sands, linked to events glacio-iso-eustatic, and is component of an

important Coastal Complex, denominated "Complexo Estuarino-Lagunar de Iguape/Cananéia". For the study of the

geomorphologic evolution of this Island, maps was made en three different sceneries - 1962, 1974 and 1991, being used

for this of stereoscopes equals of aerial photographies in the scale 1:25,000. Later on the three maps were transposed for

the scale 1:50.000, allowing a good visualization of the material. Thus, starting from the comparison and overlap of the

same ones, it can be proven the great morphologic variation presented by the Ilha Comprida, associated to the processes

of erosion and deposition. The main verification is the increment, in area, in its northeast extremity, caused by the

contribution of sands. The erosive processes is linked to the progress of the coast line in detriment of the Iguape Island.

In the interior margin of the Ilha Comprida the constant joining of "islands" and sandy banks have been the main

geomorphologic modification found.





GEOMORPHOLOGIC CHANGES IN THE ITAIPU

LAGOON (NITERÓI / RJ) RESULTING FROM

ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITY

Lavenére-Wanderley, A.A.O and Silva, M. A.M.

Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brasil

The Itaipu Lagoon, located in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro State, was deeply affected by urbanization during the 70's and

80's, causing major geomorphologic changes. Dredging of the lagoon bottom and reopening of the tidal inlet in 1979

caused lowering of water level with consequent reduction of the wet area. Comparison of aerial photographs taken in

1976 and 1996 quantified in 33.9% the reduction in water surface. Bathymetric survey indicated that 80% of the lagoon

bottom is flat and very shallow (around 1 meter deep). The shallow areas are covered with mud derived from the

drainage, which is accumulating at a rate of 0,28 cm/year for the last 100 years, based on 210Pb analyses. Deforestation

and human occupation of drainage and lagoon margins accelerated the shallowing up of the lagoon. Other morphologic

features are a 6-meter deep dredged channel and a flood tidal delta. Sands coming from the beach and nearshore zones

trough the tidal inlet are concentrated by present-day lagoon hydrodynamics along the deep channel and on the tidal

delta, where sand is moderately sorted. Tides generate a clockwise circulation within the lagoon with current velocities

between 0.02 to 0.3 m/s and up to2.47m/s in the inlet. Tidal currents and sporadic storm waves are responsible for

transport, removal and distribution of the sands on the lagoon bottom.





GEOMORPHOLOGIC CRITERIA FOR THE

MORPHODYNAMIC ZONING OF CANTABRIAN

COAST ESTUARIES

Marquinez, J.1; Fernandez Iglesias, E.1 and Fernandez, S.2 1University of Oviedo, Spain 2University of Leon, Spain

The Cantabrian Coast (N. of the Iberian Peninsula) is characterised by its erosive nature and its high cliffs sectioned by

narrow and inland-extended estuaries, which are several hundred metres width and less than 15 km long. The origin of

these estuaries can be traced back to a series of river beds engagements on the raised coast as well as to further fillings

related to sea level eustatic variations during the general Holecene transgression.

Although there is a general tendency in the Cantabrian coast estuaries to repository backfilling, human activity has

contributed to speed up this process by the construction of some elements which avoid or refrain sea waters access.

Consequently, its elements reduce the tide lands floor in favour of land used for agricultural and stockbreeding

purposes. This phenomenon has been especially intense throughout the 20th Century and has caused an impact on the

estuarine natural environment. The analysis and recovery of this impact requires knowing the extent of the tidal

dynamics and the accurate demarcation, from a dynamic viewpoint, of the estuaries zones as well as their anthropic

alteration.

The zoning of two important estuaries in the central sector of the Cantabrian Coast, the Ribadesella and the Tinamayor

ones, highlights the difficulties in approaching this type of study and shows the most valid geomorphologic criteria for

zoning. The detailed geomorphologic cartography and the range of the tidal wave during the present spring high tides,

shows that the tideways extension, their typology and the existence of scarps between areas located at different heights

in the estuarine deposit and the alluvial plain allow us to identify three units: low, middle and high terraces. These units

have shown an ever decreasing tidal influence. The supplementary analysis of aerial photographs from the last 40 years

contributes to clarify the mentioned zoning and to characterise some recent anthropic impacts.





DETERMINATION OF THE BEACH

MORPHODYNAMIC STATE: A NEW APPROACH

WITH BETTER RESULTS?

Muehe, D.


Determination of the beach morphodynamic state using Dean's ? parameter frequently results in wrong classification,

mainly for the intermediate stages. This is a consequence of the low correlation between the settling velocity (or grain

size) of the beach face sediments and the topographic gradient, when applied to a single beach. For this reason a new

approach for the identification of the morphodynamic state is proposed by inferring a new parameter (?) obtained

through the comparison of the wave height (Hbs) and mean wave period (T) in the outer breaker zone to the height and

duration of wave uprush at the beach face as a surrogate measure of the wave energy dissipation in the surf zone using

the equation:

where ? is the beach face gradient, Dup the distance of wave run-up, Tup the mean duration of the significant wave run-up

and T the mean wave period. The method was compared to the visual classification of four beaches, of distinct wave

climate, grain size and morphodynamic state, located north and westward from Cabo Frio, using the results of twenty

four monthly measurements of beach and surf zone profiles during low spring tide associated to measurements of wave

height, period and sediment settling velocity. The result allowed a reasonably good discretization between the different

states, with exception of the Rhytmic Bar and Beach State, which was not observed during the fieldwork. The following

limits were found:

Beach State ? Parameter

Dissipative <0.5

Longshore Bar and Trough 0.5-0.8

Transverse Bar and Rip 0.8-1.0

Low Tide Terrace 1.0-2.0

Reflective >2.0

This result should be considered as a first approach, and only the application and test of the method in different places

will give a more reliable answer of the applicability of this procedure.





A REVISION OF THE NAMES OF SUBMARINE

FEATURES IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTINENTAL

MARGIN AND ADJACENT AREAS

Oliveira, A.C.1; Gorini, M. A.2; Jinno, K.3; Muehe, D.4 and Palma, J.J.C.2 1Diretoria Hidrográfica Nacional (DHN), Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

3PETROBRAS, Brasil, [email protected]

4Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

The comparison of the denominations of submarine features in different cartographic documents frequently reveals the

use of different names for the same feature or even the same denomination for different features. Furthermore

topographic forms frequently show an inadequate geomorphic classification. In the course of the establishment of the

Legal Brazilian Continental Shelf it was decided to revise the whole nomenclature of the undersea topographic features

of the Brazilian continental margin.

The Working Group (members above) created in 1998 to review the undersea feature names based the discussions on

previous maps elaborated by K. Jinno which show the denominations according to three sources: the "Projeto de

Reconhecimento da Margem Continental Brasileira" (REMAC - Brazilian Continental Margin Reconnaissance Project)

"Departamento Nacional da Produção Mineral" (DNPM - Brazilian geological survey), and the Naval Research

Laboratory/Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation´s South Atlantic Ocean Bathymetric Map.

As already pointed out, the Working Group faced two types of problems. One was the use of more than one location

name for the same feature, as Recife Plateau and Pernambuco Plateau. In cases like this, of a large geomorphologic

feature, the denomination of the State was preferred, instead of the name of the State capital.

These and other geographic denominations were reserved for smaller features like canyons. The second problem was

the inadequate geomorphic classification of features. The most widespread was the use of the term bank, that is applied

in the nautical sense, i. e. considering only the aspect of water depth. The Abrolhos and Royal Charlotte banks actually

are shelves. Other examples of wrong denominations are the terms bank and seamount for some "guyots".

The result of the discussions will be submitted to the Sub-committee on Undersea Features Names of the General

Bathymetric Chart of the Ocean (GEBCO) for approval.





EVOLVING TEMPORAL/SPATIAL CONCEPTS IN

COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Psuty, N.P.

The State University of New Jersey, EUA

The conduct of coastal geomorphological research in large part consists of the identifications of temporal and spatial

variations in natural processes and the additional modification by cultural manipulation on the responses to these

processes. Importantly, this approach supplants the common concept of a simple/single equilibrium developmental

response with an approach which is directed toward a more flexible dynamic model. There are two major natural factors

drive in the variable developmental response to the ambient processes in the coastal zone:

1. the temporal/spatial variation in sediment delivery and availability, and

2. the changing spatial position of the processes associated with a transgressing or regressing sea level.

In addition, the recent centuries have witnessed an increasing interruption and interference with both processes and

sediment as humans intervene and modify the spatial/temporal associations.

Conceptually, aspects of the broadened scope of coastal geomorphological inquiry have been directed toward an

increased understanding of the varying sediment supply and changing sea-level conditions at the coast and this has led

to a bit more catastrophism in the evolving paradigm as it incorporates a multiple scalar approach to landscape

evolution and includes an acceptance that natural conditions are variable and that human interaction with the natural

system may lead to development of yet another assemblage of landform responses.





THE NATURAL SYSTEMS OF SANTA CATARINA

COAST

Rosa, R.O.

Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), Brasil, Fone/Fax: (048) 225-5871

The landscape compartmentation and its structure and processes characterization is part of the Environmental Diagnosis

of Santa Catarina Coast, a project developed by the IBGE Geoscience Administration together with the Coastal

Management National Plan, specifically in what concerns to zoning.

The Santa Catarina coast reveals a broad and complex natural diversity along its 531 km of coast, 9,250 km2 of surface

and approximately 1,500,000 people among 34 cities.

The coast compartmentation is a result of many levels and stages of multiple synthesis and interdisciplinary formulas

based on a methodology founded on the System General Theory and on the division of the landscape as a model

established by Bertrand.

The adopted methodology established three taxonomic levels hierarchically organized, where the morphostructure

domains create the larger taxon, followed by their geosystems which are divided into geofacies. These constitute the

smaller units in which many studies were done both in their structure and dynamic. The morphodynamic evaluation has

been carried out based on Tricart's proposition, taking into account the erodibility and the erosive intensity factors. The

environments have been classified as stable, intergrades and unstable, and five degrees of vulnerability have been

defined.

The main component analysis of the natural system took in consideration the lithologies, the regional structures, all

sorts of genetic formations, kind of soil, as well the aspects related to the climate, vegetation and soil use.

The natural frame evaluated under this focus revealed a large diversity. Seven mophostructural domains, 15 geosystems

and more than 100 geofacies have been identified, which include potentially rich environments, however, overall

vulnerable, as seen in the physical support conditions and the complex relations between their biotic and abiotic

components.

The reorganization of the international economy based on the globalization, a model of centralized, selective and

intensive development, provoke radical changes in the productive structure with deep influence in the spatial

organization and strong pressure over the weak coastal natural systems, with the possibility of losing the potential of

this replaceable environment which support a genetic diversity of incommensurable scientific and economic value.

The predatory interventions of the natural resources, although with less intensity than the rest of Brazil, are still present

in the Santa Catarina Coast, and getting worse, observing in some cases the risk of becoming irreversible.

The knowledge of the structure and dynamic of the natural frame establish a basic and preliminary stage for the

subsequent management and monitoring activities. This, when done efficiently, composes a better foundation for

programs dedicated to arrange/rearrange the coastal zone.





RECENT AND ANCIENT SEDIMENTS IN THE

JAGUARIBE RIVER MOUTH AND ADJACENT

AREAS: RE-DIMENSIONING THE ROLE OF THE

AEOLIAN ACTION IN THE

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE

EASTERN COAST OF THE CEARÁ STATE,

NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL

Sales, V.C.1,2 and Peulvast, J.P.2 1Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil, [email protected]

2Université Paris-Sorbonne and Université Paris-Sud, France, [email protected]

The eastern coast of the Ceará State, Northeast of Brazil, lies east of the Jaguaribe River, which drains the eastern and

southern Ceará. The downstream segment of this river is a SW-NE orthoclinal valley inset in a wide <<inner lowland>>

between the Precambrian basement to the west and the Middle-Upper Cretaceous 'Potiguar Basin' to the east. Its lower

course turns westwards 40 km before reach the shoreline, where the oldest beds of the basin outcrop as non-continuos

active seacliffs 20/30m high. The Cainozoic sediments have been mapped as 'Barreiras Group', a (Later Tertiary?

Pleistocene?) deposit of torrential or fluvial continental clastics, locally represented by the 'Faceira Formation', a fluvial

terrace that occurs along the west side of the river , and by the 'Barreiras Formation', which conceals the northeastern

continuation of the basin, outcropping as lower seacliffs at the shoreline. Some publications stress the role of

neotectonics in the orientation of the lower course of the river and in the contact Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments at

the seacliffs. The identification of old dune deposits possibly interfingered with fluvial and lacustrine deposits, (Late

Pleistocene or even older?) on the coast and inland, in the area mapped as 'Barreiras Formation', lead us to suggest that

after have been excavated (Pleistocene lower sea-levels?) along strike the Cretaceous sandstone to the present coast or

beyond, the lower course of the river migrated to the west as a result of dune damming, laterally eroding the north-east

continuation of the Tertiary terrace. In the sequence, and in relation with last Pleistocene and Holocene high sea-levels,

the valley has been filled by aeolian deposits and the shoreline exposed to coastal retreat, resulting in seacliffs cut into

the dunes. This interpretation stresses the influence of Upper Pleistocene-Holocene dynamic related to coastal processes

in the geomorphological evolution of the area.





GEOMORPHIC INDICATORS OF NET

LONGSHORE DRIFT CELLS USING REMOTE

SENSING: A REVIEW AND A NEW APPROACH

Souza, C.R.G.

Instituto Geológico-SMA, Brasil, [email protected]

Transport of sediments along the coast is termed longshore drift. Net longshore drift directions may change due to

variations in coastal orientation, forming drift cells. Each drift cell is based on net uni-directional longshore movement

of sediments over a long period of time, in spite of any lesser, seasonal, movement in the opposite direction. A drift cell

comprises source (z2one of erosion), transport corridor (zone of transport) and sink elements (zone of accumulation).

Drift cells may begin and end in broad, poorly defined zones, and may vary from tens of meters to scores of kilometres

in length. The systematic use of geomorphic and sedimentological indicators to determine net longshore drift cells along

a coastline is a quick and accurate method with which to provide qualitative information to support an initial framework

for coastal management decisions. Geomorphic indicators can be easily obtained either from comparison of aerial

photographs (best scales and results) or satellite images from different years and seasons. However, because these

remote sensing products represent just an instantaneous taking, they must be used with some restriction. Geomorphic

indicators of net longshore drift cells comprise: natural and artificial structures interrupting longshore drift causing

sediment accumulation against one side of the structure and erosion against other one; spit growth, stream mouth

diversions and inlet migrations have the direction of net longshore drift; beach width, which increases in the downdrift

direction; plan configurations of deltas and intertidal fans, and beach morphodynamics (including surf zone, longshore

bars and beach cusps morphologies, embayments and tombolos) provide important information for determination of

narrow or broad shore-drift cells; coastal dunes and bluff morphology and extent, and coastal erosion evidences along

beach can also give good information about drift cells; suspend sediment plums and the angle that waves approach the

shoreline indicate the direction of longshore current.





GEOMORPHOLOGIC ASPECTS OF THE AMAZON

CONE OBTAINED THROUGH INTEGRATION OF

BATHYMETRIC DATA

Torres, L.C.; Jeck, I.K. and Tavares, A.A.L.A.

Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegaçao (DHN), Brasil, [email protected], [email protected],

[email protected]

The general shape of the Amazon fan has been established by numerous researchers mainly through the configuration of

the isobaths, a technique inadequate to identify a spatial arrangement of topographic details of the fan surface. These

have only being identified trough the employment of long range side scan sonar (GLORIA) without bathymetric

information and through swath bathymetry along only few channels of the drainage systems. The present work presents

the results obtained through the integration of bathymetric data gathered during the expeditions of the Brazilian

Program for the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf (LEPLAC Project) as also bathymetric data from public domain.

Through the use of a computer program the ground surface was calculated and mapped as gradient and contour maps. In

the gradient map contourlines were spaced at 50 m intervals. A very large depart between the 50 m and 100 m isobath

indicate the low gradient of the continental shelf. Decrease in gradient of the distal end of the fan was also clearly

evidenced. Considerable resolution was obtained through the contour map allowing the identification of the distributary

channels as also evidence of mass movement of the upper cone. The middle cone was characterized by a lower gradient

and geomorphic evidences of decrease in the intensity of geomorphic processes compared to the upper cone. A new

reduction in the topographic gradient occurs at about 4200m depth, the limit between the upper and lower cone. The

distal limit of the lower cone occurs in the proximity of the 4850m isobath, at the transition to the Demerara abyssal

plain. The methodology was adequate to distinguish and characterize the geomorphic domains of continental shelf,

slope and rise.





RESPONSE OF THE MANGROVES TO THE

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES ON THE SAO

MATEUS RIVER MOUTH, ESPÍRITO SANTO,

BRAZIL

Vale, C.C.

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, ES, Brasil, [email protected]

In the last decades of this century, the mangroves have been studied under several points of view, being aim of

ecological, biological, geomorphological and social-economical researches.

In spite of the account given to the mangroves, these ecosystems suffer a lot of kind of impacts, mainly those induced

by men. On the other hand, nowadays, the concernig of scientific researches is directed on the losing of mangrove areas

due to erosion and sedimentation processes as a consequence of the rise of the sea mean level. There are no doubt the

ecological conditions of the mangrove to response to erosion and depositional events of the coastline, provocated or not

by wideworld climatic changes.

This paper analyses the geomorphological and phitogeographical changes on the São Mateus River mouth, in

Conceição da Barra, Espírito Santo (Brazil), between the years of 1970 and 1998. The mangroves are seen under the

biogeographical point of view - helped by the most adopeted methods in geomorphological reaserch - which

understanding of the distribution in time and space, is enphasized by the interrelation of the elements that composes the

landscape, such as climate, hidrography, landform, soil and the man.

Based on methods elaborated by Ab'Sáber (1969) and Ross (1992) and conceptuals by Thom (1984), we tried to

understand the causes of recent configuration of the São Mateus River mouth, and mainly, the distribution of the

mangroves, through distitive scales and timing analysis.

In this way, the hidrographic complex of the São Mateus River is the largest spacial unit analysed, which

geomorphological, climatical and land use characteristics are interpreted in a more abroaded form. A more detailed

analysis is made at the Sao Mateus River mouth where the mangroves are studied as biological indicators of the erosive

and depositional events, through their biotic and abiotic characteristics.





MORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION IN THE

ARARUAMA LAGOON, RIO DE JANEIRO STATE -

BRAZIL

Vitulich, E.B. and Ramos, R.R.C.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

The Araruama lagoon, covering about 220 km2, is located at the northeastern region of the Rio de Janeiro State, at the

Araruama, Sao Pedro d' Aldeia, Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo Countyes.

Aspects of the extern and intern morphology suggests that the evolution of the lagoon is related to sea transgressions

and regressions during the Quaternary.

Pre-Flandrian continental deposits are cropping out on the southern border of the lagoon conforming also its sandy

bottom, which are remainder of an intense erosion caused by two fluvial system flowing from the northwestern

(Palmital Hill) and northern areas (Mirim and Sapiatiba Hills).

During the Flandrian transgression (14.000 to 7.000 years BP) the sea had invaded the former small sedimentary basin

from the east and south areas, favouring the gradual deposition of sands and interbedded sandy coquinas. At the end of

the Flandrian transgression (7.000 years BP), regressive events would have produced the Cabo Frio plain, the beach

ridges and the intern marine barriers, forming a number of smalls lagoons into the last two morphologicals units.

The lowering of the sea level, related to the regression, continuous till reaching the negative 25 meters level (in 6.500

years BP) and the sedimentary basin of the actual lagoon become exposed to a new erosion process. Mainly, as a

consequence of an increase of humidity related to heavy rains, the fluvial system coming from the northwest was

reactivated, producing a strong erosion of the lagoon sediments along an east-west oriented channel showing a canyon

like morphology.

A new transgression of the sea, known as Dunkerquian, started at 6000 years BP, reaching its maximun altitude of 2

meters (in 4.500 years BP), was followed by a regressive event at 3.500 years BP. These transgressive and regressive

action of the sea would have produced the deposition of sandy sediments as external barriers and the closure of the

connection of the canyon with the sea. The barriers are those known as Restinga de Massambaba and Cabo Frio, that

caused the formation of the Araruama lagoon with more than 15 meters depth and linkage with the sea throughout the

Itarujú 2-4 m depth tide-channel. At the bottom of main channel of the remainder canyon, modern laggonal organic

muds have been detected.





ISLAND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY AND COASTAL

ENVIRONMENT RESPONSES-EXAMPLE FROM

COMPARITIVE STUDIES

Ying, W. and Yongzhan, Z.

Nanjing University, [email protected]

The volcanic eruption during Holocene of Hainan Island, China, has elevated the coastal bays to be terraces, blocked

the river mouths, forced river channels migration and elevated the abundant river mouths to be deep erode-meandered

bays, and volcanic rocky coast offered the basements for coral reef development. The volcanic activities have changed

coastal landforms, slops, dynamic conditions, sedimentary characteristics and the trends of coastal evolution. The

development of volcanic coast has shown a multi-affection of both inner and outer dynamic processes of tectonic,

marine hydro-dynamics and biological factors. Comparatively, Hawaii volcanic coast is characterized by a volcanic-

island chain formed by the lateral movement of the oceanic plate moving over a stationary hot spot. The ages of the

islands increase toward the left, and new islands will continue to form over the hot spot. Recently, lava flows of Kilauea

eruption continue the island-building processes, produce a barren volcanic landscape of creator bay, lagoon etc., that

served as a foundation for coral reefs and lives: plants, animals and humans. Also, the eruption has changed the local

atmospheric environment. Plants, animals and humans. Also, the eruption has changed the local atmospheric

environment. Plenty precipitation of the tropic islands develops fertilized soil, which produces favorable condition for

luxury forests and bio-diversity. The Pacific volcanic islands are the precious location of tropic biological resources and

ecological environment. Volcanic debris daily erupted by active volcano of Sakura Island, Japan have buried the parts

of island, highways, houses, temples, and have caused muddy flow disasters often, especially during thunder storm

periods, as a result, they have changed the dynamic processes. What is more important, besides the change of coastal

geomorphology, dynamic processes and the trend of coastal evolution, is that the volcanic activities might lead to a

series of severe disasters.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Soils and Geomorphology

1. OXISOLS/SPODOSOLS SYSTEMS: INFLUENCES ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND GENESIS OF DEPRESSIONS IN THE LOW COURSE OF JAU RIVER, AMAZON BASIN

2. LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION OF A SOIL SEQUENCE IN PIRACICABA (SÃO PAULO), BRAZIL

3. DETERMINATION OF SOIL-WATER MATRIX POTENTIAL IN TWO DIFFERENT SOILS (LE and PE) THROUGH TENSIOMETERS OF MERCURY MANOMETER, AT THE NORTHWEST AREA OF PARANA STATE - BRAZIL

4. INFLUENCE OF TOPOGRAPHY IN SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF TEXTURE, THICKNESS AND PROFILE DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAIN SOILS

5. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS OF THE PEREIRA-CARTAGO'S REGIONS OF COLOMBIA AFFECTED BY TECTONIC MOVEMENTS

6. THE GENESIS OF EROSION AT THE HEADWATERS IN THE NORTHWEST AREA OF PARANA STATE - BRAZIL

7. CONSIDERATION ON SOIL FORMATION BY PORE SIZE DISTRIBUTION PROPERTIES 8. CORRELATION BETWEEN GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS OF THE REGION OF

LAVRAS, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL 9. PEDOGENESIS AND GEOMORPHOLOGY OF A SOIL SEQUENCE FROM THE

TERTIARY PLATEAU TO THE ALLUVIAL PLAIN OF THE SOLIMOES RIVER, CENTRAL AMAZONIA

10. OCCURRENCE OF PALEOSOLS FROM COLLUVIUM AND ELLUVIUM WITH UMBRIC EPIPEDONS IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE, BR: SITUATION, PROFILE DESCRIPTION AND PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

11. SEQUENCES OF SOIL PROFILES WITH UMBRIC EPIPEDONS CHARACTERISTICS IN BONITO RIVER BASIN, PETROPOLIS, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

12. PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL CREEP DEPOSITS 13. PHYSICO-HYDRIC CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF A PEDOLOGICAL SYSTEM AT THE

NORTHWEST AREA OF PARANA STATE - BRAZIL 14. MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CAMBISSOLOS IN MOUNTAINOUS

AREA (RIO DE JANEIRO STATE - BRAZIL) 15. GEOMORPHOGENESIS ROLE IN THE EVOLUTION OF WEATHERING PROFILES

DEVELOPED ON GNEISSES IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

16. GEOPEDOLOGICAL SYSTEMS IN THE IBITIPOCA STATE PARK, MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

17. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY IN ANALYSIS OF SURFACE WATER EROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY - PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER MIDDLE VALLEY (SAO PAULO / RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL)

18. SOIL CARTOGRAPHY USING A COMBINATION BETWEEN A SOIL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUE (THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS) AND A LANDSCAPE INFORMATION (DERIVED FROM DEM)

19. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND DARK SUPERFICIAL HORIZONS IN A SMALL WATERSHED IN "SERRA DO MAR" (PETRÓPOLIS - RIO DE JANEIRO STATE - BRAZIL)

20. GENESIS OF HUMIC OXISOLS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EVOLUTION OF THE LANDSCAPE OF A CRATONIC AREA IN THE SOUTH OF MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

21. RELIEF, SURFACE DYNAMICS, AND SOILS OF THE SERRA DO MAR (UBATUBA, SAO PAULO)

22. HOLOCENE AND PLEISTOCENE PALEOSOLS AND POST-EUROPEAN COLONIZATION EROSIONAL DEPOSITS IN THE SERRA DE SÃO JOSÉ (MINAS GERAIS BRAZIL)


All rights reserved




OXISOLS/SPODOSOLS SYSTEMS: INFLUENCES

ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND GENESIS OF

DEPRESSIONS IN THE LOW COURSE OF JAU

RIVER, AMAZON BASIN

Bueno, G. T.1; Nascimento, N. R.1; Fritsch, E.2&3 and Melfi A. J.2 1UNESP - Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

2Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

3ORSTOM, GP23 (Grands Bassins Fluviaux: Dynamiques et Usages), [email protected]

This work has been developed in the National Park of Jau, middle course of Negro River, Amazonas State. On a map

constructed from aerial photographs and satellite images, covering around 190 km2 of the study area at scale 1:80 000, it

has been identified 9 geomorphological units:

1. Plateau presenting relief of gentle hills on the edges (corresponding to forest vegetation);

2. Proto-depression at 1st stage of development (zones with slight deficiency of drainage covered by forest

3. vegetation);

4. Proto-depressions at 2nd stage of development (corresponding to high campinarana vegetation);

5. Proto-depressions at 3rd stage of development (corresponding to low campinarana vegetation);

6. Depressions (corresponding to campina vegetation);

7. 1st floodplain;

8. 2nd floodplain;

9. Terraces and

10. Paleochannel.

In the area of field study a transect survey heading south was executed along 4 300m, from the right margin of Jau

River until the zone of depressions of the Jau - Carabinani divide. The units of geomorphology and vegetation as well as

the soil information adquired with the auger were placed along the topographic profile obtained. It was noticed good

correspondence between soil, vegetation and geomorphology features. The last 230m were studied in toposequence,

with 11 points of auger sounding and 3 trenches placed from the top of a gentle hill, covered by forest, to the

depression, covered by open vegetation (campina). The data shows the existence of a oxisol/spodosol system, where the

last one develops, from downslope to upslope, at the expenses of the first one and, locally, of the sandstone of

Formaçao Prosperança. This transformation is related to the clay, iron and organic matter exportation, and migth

explain the lowering and the morphology of the relief.





LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION OF A SOIL SEQUENCE

IN PIRACICABA (SÃO PAULO), BRAZIL

Cooper, M.; Vidal-Torrado, P. and Lepsch, I. F.

Universidade de Sao Paulo - Piracicaba, SP, Brasil

An area inside the Paulista Peripherical Depression (Sao Paulo, Brasil) contains a sandy Cenozoic deposit overlying a

silty Permian deposit of the Iratí formation (Pi). This sequence is abruptly interrupted by a diabase sill overlain by a red

clay which extends westward towards the Piracicaba River. These materials are separated by two stonelines made up of

rounded quartzite pebbles. Two hypothesis were considered to explain the local landscape evolution: a local "in situ"

evolution and a Quaternary tecto-morphoclimatic evolution. The sandy and red clay deposits could be considered as "in

situ" formations derived directly from the local parent material, a sandy Triassic-Jurassic deposit of the Piramboia

formation (TrJP) and the diabase, respectively. On the other hand, the local Paleo-Mesozoic stratigraphy shows that, if

this hypothesis is considered, a whole stratigraphical layer corresponding to a late Permian clayey deposit of the

Corumbatai formation (Pc) would be missing. This is possible in areas were erosive discordances are identified, which

is not the case of this study area. Climatic changes during the Quaternary, leading to alternating periods of erosion and

pedogenesis, were considered as the best hypothesis to explain this area's landscape evolution. In this way, two

depositioal events were considered. The first event was the deposition of a fine sandy sediment in the form of stepped

alveoluses during a first erosional period. Excavations of the Paulista Peripherical Depression exposed a sill barrier that

stopped these sediments that were transported from higher landscape positions. The second depositional event, leading

to deposition of the red clay, was probably due to an incision of the first event's pediplane followed by a second

pedimentation process during a later erosional period. The origin of the stonelines was related to these depositional

events due to the fact that they separate materials that present litohological discontinuities and the high degree of pebble

roundness would result from the high friction these materials suffered during transport rather than "in situ" geochemical

formation processes.

These stonelines could be interpreted as been formed by geochemical processes and have an authoctonous origin. The

first hypothesis confers an authoctonous origin to both stonelines where the rounded pebbles could be formed by

geochemical processes. This is possible but the very high degree.

At least two post-Permian depositional events were identified as marked by stonelines; one of rounded pebbles

separating the fine sandy Cenozoic layer from the basal silty Permian base deposit and a second stoneline separating the

diabase and part of the Irati formation saprolites from the red clay.

Lithological discontinuities in four profiles on each of the parent materials were identified through the granulometry of

sand fractions, elemental analyses of Zr and Ti, semi-quantitative determinations of quartz and micromorphological

observations. The first post-Permian depositional event is indicated by an abrupt lateral transition between the diabase

and the sandy sediments. Significant differences in the granulometry of sands, the quantities of Zr and Ti, the Ti/Zr and

Zr/quartz ratios and the degree of roundness of the quartz grains were observed between the materials above and below

the second stoneline, indicating its allochthonous origin and the presence of a second depositional event.





DETERMINATION OF SOIL-WATER MATRIX

POTENTIAL IN TWO DIFFERENT SOILS (LE and

PE) THROUGH TENSIOMETERS OF MERCURY

MANOMETER, AT THE NORTHWEST AREA OF

PARANA STATE - BRAZIL

Cunha, J. E.1; Castro, S. S.2; Silveira, H.3; Macedo, S. F. S.4 and Azevedo, L. C.5 1Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil

2Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP / Universidade Federal de Goiás, GO, Brasil

3UNESP-Rio Claro, SP, Brasil

4UEL, PR, Brasil

5UEM, PR, Brasil

[email protected], [email protected]

It was studied the soil-water matrix potential of a dark reddish Lasosol and a dark reddish Podzolic soil, respectively

placed at the upper and at the middle slope of Campus do arenito topsequence in Cidade Gaúcha town - Northwest of

Paraná State. This determination was made througt tensiometers of mercury manometer, through daily readings at 7:30,

13:00 and 18:00 o'clock, summer of 1999, at 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90, 120 and 150cm of depth.

After a period of 10 days of drought, a drizzle of 5 mm/h didn't increase the soil-water matrix potential, happening at 10

mm/h only, for both soils, in the latosol up to 20cm and in the podzolic soil up to 120 and 150cm of depth. When it

rained 30 mm/h the matrix potential increased up to 70cm in the latosol, being linear at 90 and 120cm, increasing to

150cm again, and in the podzolic soil it remained relatively linear, indicating good field capacity.

The contrast between those two soils can be explained the texture, structures and total porosity difference of Bw and Bt

horizons; through the topographical position in the slope; through their exhibition to climatic agents, which are intense

in the latosol, without good vegetable covering and being mild in the podzolic soil which is covered with sugar-cane.

Such behavior was considered important for the evaluation of the hydric circulation, over all lateral and larger in PE and

downslope, in fact, that could contribute to the largest erosive susceptibility of slopes with such distribution of soils.





INFLUENCE OF TOPOGRAPHY IN SPATIAL

VARIABILITY OF TEXTURE, THICKNESS AND

PROFILE DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAIN SOILS

Fernández, S.1; Marquínez, J.2 and Menéndez Duarte, R.2 1Universidad de León, Spain

2Universidad de Oviedo, Spain

[email protected]

In steep mountain areas, where gravity-assisted geomorphologic processes are very intensive, topography influences

quite closely a number of soil characteristics.

The Geographical-Information-System (GIS) supported analysis of topographic factors derived of the Digital Elevation

Model, such as slope, curvature, and cumulated flow surface, shows the relationship between those factors and the

development degree of soil profiles, thickness and fine element content in soils.

The model and result validation has been made by studying the soils of the Valle de Perlunes (Cantabrian Mountains,

North of Spain) with samples taken from 56 soil profiles, opened on soils developed on five different substrates:

sandstone, dolomías (dolomite), slates, limestone and coluviones. Soil horizons have been identified in these profiles

and parameters such as thickness and fine element content have been measured, specifically the fraction of sizes below

2 mm. The associated changes of soil parameters and topographic factors have been quantified with multiple regression

analysis.

The maturity degree interpreted as a function of the number of developed horizons, increases in the slope areas of

concave morphology, soft slopes, and receiving abundant running waters. In similar areas, also with soft slopes and

receiving abundant running waters, with no concavity increasing, only an increase of soil thickness has been registered.

Topography also influences the proportion of fine elements in soils, which increases when slope steepness decreases.

The implementation on a GIS of the relationships established between topographic factors mentioned and soil

characteristics enables the generation of models regarding thickness spatial distribution and abundance of fine particles

in soils, which means an important contribution to the problem of soil cartography in mountain areas.





GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS OF THE

PEREIRA-CARTAGO'S REGIONS OF COLOMBIA

AFFECTED BY TECTONIC MOVEMENTS

Espírito Santo, F.R.C.

EPAGRI - Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensao Rural de Santa Catarina (SC) - Brasil

The geomorphology and soils of an area located between the cities of Pereira and Cartago in Colombia with an

aproximate surface of 25.000 ha, was studied.The area goes far from the Central Mountain of Ande's chain till the

Cauca river valley, a tectonic depression which makes links with the Occidental Mountains of Ande's chain. The area

was divided in three climatics grounds beginning with the temperate humid climate lands (Th) that reaches to 10.8% of

the whole area with temperatures between 19.4 and 24.9° C. The year average precipitation are about 2173 milimeters

with heights varying from 1250 to 1350 meters. Within that climate unit were diferentiated an extensive agradational

geoform known by "Dissected Hidrovolcanic Piedemont". The main kinds of soils ocurring in it belong to the

Inceptisols Order. This large geoform overcome the limits of the humid temperate climate reaching the domains of the

less humid temperate climate lands (Tu). Here, the heights are between 1250 -1000m and ocupy 44% of the whole area,

where the landscapes are identifyed as "Body and Base of the ancient Alluvial Fan buried with volcanic ash". In these

positions the soils are respectively Ultisols, and Alfisols Molisols Inceptisols and Entisols. Another geoform that

appears in this situation is the " Montain and Hilly's relief of Santa Barbara's chain". The end of the area is located in a

warm-dry climate lands (Wd) and makes 45.2% of the whole area with heights below 1000m. The temperatures are in

the range of 26.4 - 23.3°C and the year average precipitation is 1614 milimeters. The main geoforms are the "Complex

Piedemont of Santa Barbara's Mountain" with soils as a Alfisols, and the "Alluvial Valleys" of the Cauca and La Vieja

rivers respectively with Molisols and Entisols.





THE GENESIS OF EROSION AT THE

HEADWATERS IN THE NORTHWEST AREA OF

PARANA STATE - BRAZIL

Karking, G.1; Nóbrega, M.T.1; Cunha, J.E.2 and Azevedo, L.C.1 1Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brasil., [email protected]

2Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Erosive processes are very common in the northwest area of Parana State, in Caiua sandstone site. Processes such as:

gullying, soil mass movements and losses of soils by runoff. Such processes are related to the pedological covering

organization (structure) and its landuse. To research the genesis of such processes in headwater areas, where gullies

frequently develop, it was chosen a local, partially preserved, landscape unit. The data collecting of pedological

covering, through four soil topsequences, showed two types of slope morphology and that there's a specific pedological

system associated to each slope. Above the source, slopes are convexo-concave, covered by dark reddish latosol -

quartz sands - gley; the slopes directly related to the drainage axis are convex and they present a pedological system

composed by dark reddish latosol - dark reddish podzolic soil - quartz sands. From upper to down slope, a superficial

horizon of sandy texture thickens becoming a volume of about 2m of thickness (quartz sands) near the source. When

vegetation is diminished, it facilitates the erosive processes and then, through regressive erosion, reaches the upper

slope sections. In outlying suburbs, the erosive processes are set in drainage headwater because, besides the fragility of

soils, pluvial waters of paved roads are concentrated and poured out overthere.





CONSIDERATION ON SOIL FORMATION BY

PORE SIZE DISTRIBUTION PROPERTIES

Kobiyama, M.1; Manfroi, O.1; Minella, J. P. G1 and Shinomiya, Y.2 1UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil, [email protected] 2Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute Japan

Soil formation processes can be characterized by soil pore properties. As soils develop more, the quantity of larger

pores increases, consequently increasing the total porosity and changing pore size distribution. Since the larger pores

are created by biological activities, spatial variability of the larger pores becomes higher during the soil formation

processes. The objective of this study is to analyze the spatial variation of the pore size distribution to investigate soil

formation. The sampling site is located within a 1-yr old Erva Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) plantation area at the Caguiri

Farm of UFPR, Curitiba city - PR, Brasil. Soils are Inceptisols. Along the hillslope line and the line perpendicular to it,

54and 41 undisturbed soil samples of 100 cm3 volume, respectively, were taken from 0-5 cm depth which is a part of A-

horizon. The membrane suction method was adopted to determine a retention curve for each sample. The suction values

in the method were 0, 4, 7, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 cmH2O.Considering theses values and the Laplace equation, the

pore sizes were classified as, >750, 750-429, 429-300, 300-150, 150-100, 100-75, 75-60, 60-50 and 50 mm. The last

range constitutes microporosity. Geostatistics analysis (autocorrelation and semivariance) did not show the tendency

and frequency of spatial variability of pore distribution properties. The values of coefficient of variation decreased with

the pore size. This indicates that larger pores have larger spatial variation. This implies that soil formation process

occurs by the increase of the heterogeneity of parent materials with regard to pore size distribution.





CORRELATION BETWEEN GEOMORPHOLOGY

AND SOILS OF THE REGION OF LAVRAS, MINAS

GERAIS, BRAZIL

Lacerda, M. P. C.1; Andrade, H.2; Alves, H. M. R.1 and Vieira, T. G. C.1 1EPAMIG/CTSM, Lavras, MG, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

2DCS/UFLA, Lavras, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

The work used the correlation between geomorphological features and soil formation to evaluate and map soils of the

region of Lavras, MG, differentiating classes of soils with argillic B horizons. The study area was limited by geographic

coordinates 21°10'23"/21°19'22" S and 45°04'36"/45°33'23" W, comprising portions of topographic sheets of IBGE:

Nepomuceno, Carmo da Cachoeira, Lavras, Itumirim, Nazareno e Itututinga, scale 1:50.000. The geomorphological

features were assessed on the basis of slope classes with five selected slope gradients: nearly level - 0 - 3%; gently

sloping - 3 - 12%; strongly sloping - 12 - 24%; moderately steep - 24 - 45 %; and steep - > 45%. Using a GIS the map

of slope classes of the region was generated. The model of soil distribution in the landscape was exhaustively checked

by sound field work. The most relevant soil profiles were described according to Lemos & Santos (1984). Physical and

chemical analyses were carried out to enable precise classification of these soils. The results showed Latossols

occurring on nearly level and gently sloping surfaces. Hydromorphic and Alluvial soils were found in the class nearly

level, with slope gradient of 0 to 3%, but at different parts of the landscape, related to flooding plains and terraces.

Within the slope classes strongly sloping and moderately steep (12 to 24% and 24 to 45%) four classes of soils with

argillic B horizons were mapped: Yellow-Red Podzolic, Dark Red Podzolic, Dusky Red Podzolic and Reddish

Brunizem. These were separated using the correlation between soil formation and geology. In the slope class steep

(slope gradient > 45%) occurred Cambic and Litholic soils. On the basis of this correlation and using a GIS, a Soil Map

of the Region of Lavras, differentiating soils with argillic B horizons was produced.





PEDOGENESIS AND GEOMORPHOLOGY OF A

SOIL SEQUENCE FROM THE TERTIARY

PLATEAU TO THE ALLUVIAL PLAIN OF THE

SOLIMOES RIVER, CENTRAL AMAZONIA

Lima, H. N.1; Schaefer, C.E.R.2 and Mello, J. W. V.2 1 Universidade do Amazonas, Brasil

2 Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brasil

Six soils ranging from the Tertiary Plateau down to the Solimões valley in Iranduba, near Manaus (AM) were studied.

These selected soils were classified as Yellow Podzolic with Antropic A horizon ("Terra Preta de Índio) (P1), plinthic

Red-Yellow Podzolic (P2), Yellow Latosol (P3), Eutric Low-Humic Gley (P4), Eutric Alluvial (P5) and Eutric

Hydromorphic Soil (P6); the latter tree soils were taken from the Alluvial Plain. Surface and subsurface samples were

submitted to chemical, physical and micropedological analysis. The three soils from Tertiary Plateau (P1-P2-P3) were

generally dystrophic, with high levels of Al3+ and dominated by kaolinite in the clay fraction, similarly to those

developed from Tertiary Plateau pre-weathered sediments elsewhere in Brasil. On the other hand, the antropic surficial

A horizon of the Yellow Podzolic showed a distinct eutrophic character, with high base saturation and very high soluble

P content. The high silt content of the Alluvial Plain soils (P4-P5-P6) and great variation of the texture with depth is due

to the complex sedimentary history of this environment with weak weathering compared with the Tertiary Plateau

upwards. The soils from the alluvium were typically high activity clays-dominated, and some horizon had high levels of

exchangeable Al, associated with 2:1 expansive clays. This points to an increasing present weathering and

destabilization of the smectite under present conditions. The presence of petro-plinthite in the transition segment of the

Tertiary Plateau was attributed to lateral Fe-flux and its precipitation along the slope break down to the alluvial

flatlands. The soils on Tertiary sediments showed higher levels of carbon organic, compared to those in the alluvium,

due to the dystrophic and less favourable conditions to the mineralization. The higher values of Fe-oxalate/Fe-DCD,

between 47 and 73 in the soils from the Alluvial Plain indicate the dominance of less crystalline form of the Fe-oxides

and relative immaturity of the soils, compared with those upwards. The role of the geomorphic evolution and the soils

position along the slope of this sequence is clearly demonstrated, illustrating the importance of pedogeomorphic units

along the contact "Terra Firme" - "Várzea" across Central Amazonia as a key feature for the environmental

comprehension.





OCCURRENCE OF PALEOSOLS FROM

COLLUVIUM AND ELLUVIUM WITH UMBRIC

EPIPEDONS IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS IN RIO DE

JANEIRO STATE, BR: SITUATION, PROFILE

DESCRIPTION AND PEDOLOGICAL

CHARACTERISTICS

Mafra, N.M.C.

Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

Some mountainous areas where the average elevation exceeds 800 metres the climatic characteristics are influenced by

the topographic and vegetal cover factors that are responsible for temperature decreasing and humidity values

increasing. These characteristics seem to have reunited conditions in the past to the umbric epipedons development.

Being dynamic environments in relation to slope processes action, pedogenic material successions and soils as such

with complex genesis and composition are common. In the most of the cases they occur in low hills, mainly in hollows.

Some paleosols (developed from colluvium and elluvium) overlapped by colluvium materials and soils were studied in

mountainous areas of Bom Jesus do Itabapoana and Petropolis municipalities.

A great part of the paleosols analysed presents soil characteristics related to Oxic horizons. These paleosols have

relatively preserved umbric epipedons that are not so thick than those ones of the soil profiles or pedogenic colluvium

that are over them. There are also common paleosols that are directly overlapped by organic materials possibly removed

from the slope (pedogenic material?).

A reduced number of the analysed sections showed paleosols formed from elluvium recovered by pedogenic colluvium

or directly by organic materials being the majority Cambic horizons.

The main characteristics of these paleosols are the presence of an umbric epipedon with variable thickness due to the

decapitation level of it; 10YR and 7.5YR dominant hues with very dark values and chromas; friable consistence, slight

plastic or non-plastic and non-sticky and slightly sticky; high organic carbon and organic matter contents (generally

upper than 11% for the last one); almost always under 4.5 pH values; average values upper than 50% for Al; medium

and clay texture, with about 35%.

In relation to the B horizons, those ones with Oxic horizons characteristics present 7.5YR as dominant hue with values

and chromas upper than 5; friable and slightly hard consistence, generally sticky and slightly plastic and plastic; clay

and very clay texture; pH above 5 and high Al values; ki and kr relations under than 1.8 in the majority; and quartz

domains in the sand fraction mineralogy.





SEQUENCES OF SOIL PROFILES WITH UMBRIC

EPIPEDONS CHARACTERISTICS IN BONITO

RIVER BASIN, PETROPOLIS, RIO DE JANEIRO,

BRAZIL

Mafra, N.M.C.; Duarte, L.P.; Lopes, M.R.S. and Sathler, R.

Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

The study area is located in Serra dos Órgãos "steps" (Serra do Mar) that are the Bonito River Basin interstreams

divides. The scarped sierras, steps, very dissected hills and carved valleys compartments, characterize the landforms.

The regional climate is the mesothermic rainy tropical one. In relation to the basin, the climatic conditions are affected

by the elevation (averages upper than 900 m) and the slope position and vegetal cover as well.

Soil profiles with umbric epipedons were analysed in toposequences in the upper and middle slope, elevated valleys and

valley floor formed from elluviums, colluviums and alluviums.

The upper slope soil profiles formed from elluviums present B cambic horizon characteristics. And in relation to the

middle and down slope soil profiles, there are two situations. The first is about a pedogenesis developed from

colluviums with B cambic and B oxic horizons characteristics being the former ones located in the upper sections of the

middle slope and the last ones in down sections of it. And the second situation is about pedogenic colluviums with

incipient pedogenesis. In some cases analysed for these two situations, these soil profiles are on paleosoils with umbric

epipedons.

The soil profiles formed from alluviums are situated in two sections: elevated valleys and valley floor. The former ones

have characteristics that correspond to Alluvial Soils and soil with B cambic horizon from fluvial terraces; the second

ones have gley horizon characteristics.

The main characteristics of these umbric epipedons in soil profiles from elluviums, colluviums, and alluviums are:

considerable depth (reaching 145 cm in some cases); 7.5 YR dominant hue, with values and cromas between 3 and 2;

high organic carbon values (upper than 6.0 in average for soils in the slope and upper than 3.0 for soils in the valley)

and organic matter content (reaching about 16.0) tending to decrease in depth; base saturation values under than 50%;

and pH values under than 4.5 for the majority of the analysed horizons.

The present topographic position of these soils and most recent transported materials and their physical and chemical

characterization as well are important to the explanation of the present and recent slope process action and the landform

evolution in these areas.





PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR SPATIAL

DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL CREEP DEPOSITS

Marquínez, J.; Rodríguez, A. and García Manteca, P.

University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain

The mapping of regolith is a very important technique necessary for many soil uses and planning applications.

However, the scarcity of outcrops usually hampers the mapping by direct field or photo-interpretation surveys, and the

mapping must be supported by topographic and geomorphologic interpretations. In order to quantify the topographic

variation and to analyse the statistic relationships between topographic variables and regolith thickness we have develop

a technique that uses Digital Terrain Models (DTM). This technique allows the analysis and implementation of a spatial

distribution model of regolith thickness, based on construction of automatic maps.

In order to test and validate this methodology we have applied it to a geological and geomorphologic homogeneous area

of the N-Iberian coast, near the village of Villaviciosa (Asturias). The lithologies of the substratum are mostly marls and

sandstones of Jurassic age and the relief is characterized by gentle slopes modeled on an elevated old submarine erosion

surface. In this area, the humid and temperate climatic conditions have produced a dense and continuous vegetation

cover. In this conditions, the thickness of the regolith is mostly related to accumulations by soil creep in the zones of

gentler dip and in the lower parts of the slopes.

The statistic analysis based on slope values, elevations, sun radiation, cumulative flow and concavity values, using 60

sample points, indicates a probability for the presence of more than 0.25 m thick regolith. The obtained regolith

distribution model was validated using 84 new sample points and its accuracy was compared with other regolith

thickness map obtained by traditional field survey and photo-interpretation. The methodology developed provides a

competitive way to obtain reliable information about regolith thickness and its spatial distribution, that is an important

information in geographical data bases for environmental and planning purposes.





PHYSICO-HYDRIC CHARACTERISTICS STUDY

OF A PEDOLOGICAL SYSTEM AT THE

NORTHWEST AREA OF PARANA STATE - BRAZIL

Martins, V. M.1; Castro, S. S.2 and Cunha, J. E.1 1 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

2 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP/Universidade Federal de Goiá, GO, Brasil, [email protected]

This study was accomplished in the microbasin of Bom Jesus stream, in Cidade Gaúcha town, at the northwest area of

Parana State - Brasil. It aimed to characterize a physico-hydric performance of a dominant pedologic system in such

area, which is constituted of dark reddish Latosol (LE), dark reddish Podzolic soil (PE) and quatz sands (AQ),

distributed along the slope.

The vetical and lateral morphologic characterization of the horizons along the representative topsequence was

proceeded, followed by infiltration measures through mult-disk infiltrometer (unsaturated hydraulic conductivity or K)

and then granulometrical analyses.

The results revealed that K is elevated and relatively constant in LE at the upperslope, lightly decreased in depth at Bw;

smaller in PE, different in the profile, diminished in surface througt landuse compaction and the presence of the Bt

horizon, associated to the clay and microporosity increase; notably increasing downslope, both at surface horizons (A,

E) and their contact with Bt, promoting the development of thick washed sandy horizon which will turn into AQ.

Such performance was attributed to the morphologic differentiation of the pedologic system, where the hydric flows

seem to be harmonious to the current slope, allowing it to be interpreted as a lateral pedologic transformation and

associated to a strong linear erosive suceptibility.





MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF

CAMBISSOLOS IN MOUNTAINOUS AREA (RIO DE

JANEIRO STATE - BRAZIL)

Meireles, C. M.1; Polivanov, H.1; Botelho, R. G. M.2 and Silva, J. G.1 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil

The studied area is located in Serra do Mar, Petropolis municipality (RJ), in the southeastern region of Brasil, between

the coordinates 22°15'and 22°29' S, and 43°00'and 43°10' W. The aim of this paper is to verify the mineralogical

evolution presented in Cambissolos in the Brasilian Classification System (Inceptisols - Soil Taxonomy). This research

is part of a project where different types of soils have been studied in distinct local geomorphic features to analyze the

relationship between soil, relief and drainage. The studied pedons are in three different local geomorphologic

compartments. Profiles 6 is located at south where steep hillslopes and rock walls are observed and the pluviosity is

around 2.800mm/year. Profiles 12 and 13 are located at west where the altitudinal variation is not so great (very steeply

sloping to precipitous relief) and the pluviosity is around 1.600mm/year. Profiles 10 and 11 are located at north, where

the relief is moderately steeply sloping and the pluviosity is about 1.000mm/year. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was taken in

clay, silt and sand fractions samples for each horizon of the profiles. Differential Thermal and Termogravimetrical

analysis were also taken to evaluate the kaolinite and gibbsite percentages presented in the B horizons. The mineralogy

identified in clay fraction it is: kaolinite, gibbsite, vermiculite, illite and goethite. In silt fraction is: quartz, feldspar,

goethite, gibbsite, kaolinite, vermiculite and illite, and in the sand fraction, quartz, feldspar, gibbsite and illite/mica. A

probable sequence of mineralogical transformation is shown for the profiles: 6, 12 and 13: feldspar»kaolinite»gibbsite;

10 and 11: feldspar»gibbisite, feldspar»kaolinite. In relation to the evolution or the weathering level of the Cambissolos

it is possible to define a relative cronosequence: 13<12<6<11<10.





GEOMORPHOGENESIS ROLE IN THE

EVOLUTION OF WEATHERING PROFILES

DEVELOPED ON GNEISSES IN RIO DE JANEIRO,

BRAZIL

Polivanov, H.1 and Melfi, A. J.2 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil

There have been studied two weathering profiles developed from gneisses in the State of Rio de Janeiro, placed in areas

of distinct geomorphology compartments. The " Caxias profile", developed from the weathering of gneiss migmatitic,

has been collected in the district of Duque de Caxias, in an area with " round hills" from the " Guanabara lowland". The

" Furnas profile ", developed from the weathering of biotite gneiss, placed in the district of Rio de Janeiro, at the

Tijuca's massif in an accidented relief. The chemical and mineralogical studies allowed evidencing the importance of

geomorphogenesis in the weathering and pedogenesis process. The " Caxias profile " presents caulinite associated to

traces of goethite, haloisite and illite in the whole profile (alterite and latossol) and gibbsite only in the pedologic

horizons, while in the rock horizons the prevalence is of feldspar, quartz, illite/mica associated to traces of caolinite.

The " Furnas profile" is characterized for presenting caolinite and illite/mica in the whole profile, while in the rock

levels, feldspars, quartz and illite/mica are the predominant minerals. The chemical analysis evidence a smaller leaching

of the mobile elements (Na2O, K20, CaO, MgO) in the " Furnas profile" when compared to the strong exit of the mobile

elements in the " Caxias profile". These date are in total agreement with the evolution of the two areas, characterized by

the constant rejuvenation of the relief in the "Tijuca's massive" and a larger stability in the area of Duque de Caxias





GEOPEDOLOGICAL SYSTEMS IN THE IBITIPOCA

STATE PARK, MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Rocha, G. C. and Zaidan, R. T.

Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

The Ibitipoca State Park , located south of Minas Gerais State in Brasil, preserves important remanescent of the Mata

Atlântica Brasilian ecosystem, showing wonderful geological formations along with endemic vegetational species; both

has suffered many environmental impacts due to the turistic actions, because inexist management plans or

environmental zoning to disciplinate the visitations. It is showed the model of geopedological systems, a way to study

and separate different pedogeoenvironments. The geological history has imprinted differential weathering and tectonic

features in the rocks of the park, represented by saccaroidal quartzites, as well as "islands" of mica schist . In the

quartzite dominion , the geomorphology is determined by the physical characteristics of the rock, as well as its

structural features (tectonic control), originating shallow soils, due to the reduced relation pedogenesis/erosion, and

accentuated relief. Litholic and cambic soils occur, predominantly the first ones, with high acidity and poor nutrient

status. The schist rock doesn't show structural control on the relief, but instead, a climatic control, with smooth surfaces,

originating clayer soils, and a more elevated reason pedogenesis/erosion, with well developed B and C horizons along

the geopedological system. Over the schist occurrs cambic soils, with a forest cover that maintains organic horizons at

the soil surface, showing also stone lines in the C horizon.





GEOMORPHOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY IN

ANALYSIS OF SURFACE WATER EROSION

SUSCEPTIBILITY - PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER

MIDDLE VALLEY (SAO PAULO / RIO DE JANEIRO

- BRAZIL)

Salgado, C. M. and Moura, J. R. S.


In the last decades integration between Geomorphology and Pedology has been used for landscape evolution research,

resulting in soil-geomorphic models, some of them also considering stratigraphic aspects. However, little emphasis has

been given on the application of these models to erosion processes studies, which methods generally take pedologic

properties more important than geomorphological characteristics of soil sites, or even than soils space-time

relationships. At the present study a methodology integrating pedologic attributes into geomorphologic and stratigraphic

knowledge concerning Quaternary landscape evolution in hilly landforms of Southeastern Brazilian Plateau is used for

surface water erosion investigation. The approach takes amphitheater-like headwaters as a basic geomorphological and

pedological unit, where sedimentary sucessions are identified and mapped, on wich are recognized complete or

truncated pedologic profiles.

Five amphitheater-like headwaters were selected, being identified Quaternary allo-units by stratigraphic sections and

drilling, mapped considering their morphostratigraphic importance. Based on spatial distribution of surficial deposits

and on the relationships with geomorphic components of headwaters, sampling points were selected for texture,

flocculation ratio, aggregate stability in water, porosity, bulk density and organic matter analysis of surficial (0-15cm)

and subsuperficial layers (15-30cm). The results demonstrated that surficial deposits with same pedologic classification

present differences in aggregates size and micropores amount - pedologic properties observed as significant in

definition of surface water erosion susceptibility. This susceptibility is also controlled by local topographic

characteristics and by geomorphic setting inside amphitheater-like headwaters. In addition, recent deposicional units

showed significative variations according to re-working materials (weathered bedrock and/or older Quaternary

deposits).

Therefore, the use of Geomorphology and Stratigraphy represents an important approach to erosion studies on hilly

domains of Southeastern Brazilian Plateau, suppling more precise data for definition of erosion risk areas.

*Supported by FUJB-UFRJ and CNPq





SOIL CARTOGRAPHY USING A COMBINATION

BETWEEN A SOIL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUE

(THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS) AND A

LANDSCAPE INFORMATION (DERIVED FROM

DEM)

Santos, L. J. C.1; Chaplot, V.2; Walter, C.3; Curmi, P.3; Castro, S. S.4 and Grimaldi, M.5 1 UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

3 INRA, France, [email protected]

4 Universidade Federal deGoiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil, [email protected]

5 INRA, France, [email protected]

Among soil analyses at the landscape scale, the "structural analysis technique" defined by Boulet and al. (1982, a, b, c)

is actually widely used. Its principle is to examine, in detail, the soil mantle of entire slopes using punctual observations

(auger hole and/or soil profile) for the identification of pedological systems. The profile observations are performed

along a transect in regular intervals followed by additional observations due to the soil variations. To map the whole

research area, the different soil layers (Soil Science horizons) are identified through the soil scientist using an expert

interpolation between different transects. For the investigation of larger areas (several hundreds of thousand hectares),

this technique encounters methodological and economic difficulties: first, only punctual observations are empirical

available, and second, the process turns out be very costly due to the large number of data required. Additional

techniques of the field of soil cartography are necessary. Among these, soil predicting models using terrain attributes

derived from digital elevation models (DEM) can be used. Two examples (one in tropical climate, located on

sandstone's of Bauru in Southern Brasil, the other in an oceanic climate, located in an acid rock area with loamy soil in

the Armorican massif in Western France) demonstrate how the "structural analysis techniques" completed with models,

relating the soil organization to the variation of terrain attributes highly improved soil cartography on large areas.

Words keys: soil cartography, structural analysis, soil landscape models, tropical end oceanic climate.





GEOMORPHOLOGY AND DARK SUPERFICIAL

HORIZONS IN A SMALL WATERSHED IN "SERRA

DO MAR" (PETRÓPOLIS - RIO DE JANEIRO

STATE - BRAZIL)

Silva, J. G.1 and Botelho, R. G. M.2 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

This research aims to characterize the geomorphological aspects of the areas where dark superficial horizons occur in

relation to mountainous region. These kind of horizons present high organic matter contents and according to the

Brasilian Soil Classification System they are called "humic" and "proeminent" A horizons since they have low base

saturation values (V<50%). For this, a small watershed with about 10 Km2 - Manga Larga river basin - was chosen in

Petropolis municipality, in Rio de Janeiro State. The locals of the soils with dark A horizon identified during the

fieldwork were assigned in topographic map and aerial photographs. Laboratory analyses have shown that the organic

matter contents reach 11,06%, decreasing with depth, that can be 1,60 meters. The basin present a great altitudinal

variation, from 700 to 1400 meters with a very steeply sloping relief, being 20 to 45% the slope category dominant.

There are rock walls that outline the local lithology composed by granites and granodiorite gneiss. The hipsometric,

slope gradient and geomorphological features maps elaborated for this area show that the "humic" and "proeminent"

horizons can be found since 800 meters of altitude in moderately steeply sloping relief (8 to 20% slope category) and in

concave morphologic features (hollows), normally with an apparent slope rupture, being the upperslope lightly steeper

than the downslope. The results point out that, in spite of the rainy tropical climate, it is possible to find these specific

types of horizons if there is a set of favorable conditions to the organic matter accumulation.





GENESIS OF HUMIC OXISOLS AND ITS

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EVOLUTION OF THE

LANDSCAPE OF A CRATONIC AREA IN THE

SOUTH OF MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Silva, A.C.1 and Vidal-Torrado, P.2 1 ICAMV/UNIFENAS, Alfenas, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

1 Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

A study on the genesis of humic Oxisols and its relationship with the evolution of the landscape was carried out in an

area of 5,750 ha situated in the central segment of the South of Minas Gerais State. Two morphopedological systems

(SMI and SMII), representative of the regional geology and geomorphology were chosen. Pedological (chemical,

physical, morphological, micromorphological) and geomorphological studies, as well as soil charcoal quantification and

radiocarbon dating were performed in four profiles classified as: Humic Xantic Hapludox and Typic Hapludox in SMI,

and Humic Rhodic Hapludox and Rhodic Hapludox in SMII. The strongly developed umbric epipedons of the humic

Oxisols are thought to be very old and have a continuous, progressive melanization with depth, probably deeply

affected by charcoal fragments decomposition and its redistribution by soil fauna. Charcoal is more abundant in these

oxisols than in others found elsewhere in the landscape. In situ soil formation in SMII suggest a great stability of the

plateau where humic Oxisols are found.

This also suggest higher incidence of fires at this landscape position during the Quaternary, which can explain the

higher soil charcoal content in the humic Oxisols. The occurrence of this kind of soils on the lower backslope and

footslope of SMI indicate an important short-distance soil transport, probably as a consequence of substratum block

tilting during Quaternary times. Fault mirrors in the saprolite and in the solum of one Oxisol, dramatic differences

among charcoal datings between 125 and 150 cm of depth (from 6,850 to 40,000 years BP), as well as the seismic

disturbances occurring at present in the area point to the role of resurgent tectonics in the evolution of the landscape.

Thus, the humic Oxisols could be considered as relic paleosols and, as such, they would constitute a fundamental link to

understand the dynamics of regional landscape.





RELIEF, SURFACE DYNAMICS, AND SOILS OF

THE SERRA DO MAR (UBATUBA, SAO PAULO)

Simonetti, C.1; Silva, E. F.1,2; Pires Neto, A.G.3 and Sparovek, G.1 1 Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil

2 EMBRAPA Solos - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

3 Águas de São Pedro, SP, Brasil

Soils, relief, surface dynamics, and their interrelations were investigated in the scarps of the itamambuca basin

(Ubatuba, SP). The study area lies within a state park and the forest cover -the vanishing Atlantic Forest- is mostly

primary.

The region has an af - cfa climate type with a marked maritime influence and high atmospheric humidity and rainfall

rates. precambrian basement is composed of partially migmatized charnockites; quaternary sediments are continental

(e.g. talus slopes, alluvial fans) and/or marine.

We have recognized four distinct units:

1. superior slopes. erosive and straight steep slopes (>30°). main surface processes are creep, landslides,

subsurface runoff, and infiltration due to the high density of the forest. despite the steepness, soils are deep and

highly weathered, mainly typic hapludox (lva), clayey, allic, kaolinitic, with low silt:clay ratios (<0.2) and ki

indices (<0,6).

2. intermediate slopes. straight slopes (20°-30°), where detrital material may occasionally accumulate. creep and

the other processes mentioned are also the determinants of surface dynamics. similarly, the main soil type is

the typic hapludox;

3. colluvial deposits. accumulative slopes (5°-20°) convex in profile, reworked at the base by river action and

also affected by creep, landslides, and subsurface runoff. soils are mainly oxic dystropepts (ca latossólico). the

low ki index (0.33) indicates a pre-weathered parent material;

4. alluvial-colluvial deposits (alveoli) and alluvial fans (<5°). fluvial erosion and deposition, and runoff are the

main surface processes. soil may be fairly developed in the alveoli, where lithic oxic dystropepts (ca)

predominate. Tropofluvents (aa) occur in restricted portions of the alluvial fans; on most of these deposits there

is no soil cover.

The presence of deep and highly weathered soils on the scarps of the serra do mar confirm that the only appropriate

"use" for these unstable area is the effective preservation of the primary forest.





HOLOCENE AND PLEISTOCENE PALEOSOLS

AND POST-EUROPEAN COLONIZATION

EROSIONAL DEPOSITS IN THE SERRA DE SÃO

JOSÉ (MINAS GERAIS BRAZIL)

Vidal-Torrado, P.1;Silva, A.C.2; Martínez Cortizas, A.3 and García-Rodeja, E.3 1 Universidade de Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

2 ICAMV/UNIFENAS, Alfenas, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

3 Universidad de Santiago. - Santiago de Compostela - Spain, [email protected], [email protected]

After a detailed soil survey on the summit of the Serra de São José (Minas Gerais State, SE Brasil), two soil profiles (p1

and p2), with alternating sequences of white sand and sandy layers enriched with organic matter on meta-sandstones of

the tiradentes formation, were characterized. the study site is located at 1450 m above sea level and 300 m over the

dominant regional topographic level. p1 is located 50 m apart from p2 and 1.5 m higher in elevation. In P1, 33 organic-

rich layers with a plane-parallel stratification and widths varying between 1 to 60 mm down to the rock contact, were

identified. In P2 the organic-rich layers are wider (between 10 and 130 mm) and presented abrupt discontinuities

probably due to low impact tectonic movements. Three layers selected from P1 (20-30, 70-80 and 100-110cm) have a C

content of 0.5, 7 and 1%, and radiocarbon ages of <40, 180 ± 60 and 350 ± 80 BP, respectively. These 14C dating

indicate the existence of a recurrent depositional process with increasing intensity up to present, coinciding the age of

the deeper layers with the beginning of the post-european colonization period. During this period erosive processes

were probably triggered by human activities. In P2, the organic-rich layers buried between 20-30, 80-90 110-120 and

170-180cm have a C content of 3, 2.5, 21 and 1.5% and radiocarbon ages of 3580 ± 80, 3750 ± 80, 21210 ± 180 and

24060 ± 130BP, respectively. The C/N ratios of the organic-rich layers showed an increase from the most recent

(around 20) to the oldest (maximum around 100) layers. The lack of continuity between both profiles can also be

associated to resurgent tectonic phenomena. The drainage in P2 is impeded in the deeper layers, which could be the

cause for the preservation of a wood fragment (5cm diameter and 62cm on length) at a depth of 200cm with an age of

32220 ± 290 BP. The soils characteristics and the ages found are promising to continue studying the relations between

paleosols, paleo-climates, paleo-vegetation, resurgent tectonics and anthropic action on the evolution of the local

landscape.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Hillslope Geomorphology

(Symposium on Gully Erosion & Symposium on Slope Processes that Produce Stone-Lines)

1. THE USE OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) TO ACCESS SUBSURFACE STRUCTURES NEAR A HOLLOW WITH GULLY, GOUVEIA - MINAS GERAIS

2. TROPICAL LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION: WEATHERING AND EROSION PROCESSES IN GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL.

3. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS IN THE UPPER JEQUITINHONHA BASIN HIGHLANDS

4. CONTRIBUTION OF PEDOGEOCHEMISTRY TO THE ANALYSIS OF LATERITES RECOVERING EROSIONAL SURFACES AT THE EAST BORDER OF SAO FRANCISCO KRATON- MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

5. GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE TIJUCA MASSIF, RIO DE JANEIRO: PROCESS-RESPONSES TO EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS

6. CUESTA -TYPE LANDFORMS IN THE SOUTH AMERICAN SUBHUMID TROPICS - A CASE STUDY

7. PLANATION SURFACES IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL: SAO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS PLATEAU (TAUBATÉ BASIN, SAO PAULO)

8. GEOTECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GULLY PROCESSES OF GOUVEIA - MG 9. FEBRUARY 1996 LANDSLIDE SCARS AND SUBSEQUENT EROSION: TIJUCA MASSIF,

RIO DE JANEIRO 10. THE ROLE OF MESOFAUNA ON THE RECYCLING OF THE SOILS ON THE SLOPES AT

GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS 11. HILLSLOPE EVOLUTION BY DIFFUSIVE PROCESSES IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL: THE

CONVEX HILLTOPS OF MAGÉ (RIO DE JANEIRO) 12. IRON OXIDES EFFECT ON FINE PARTICLES AGGREGATION: IMPORTANCE FOR

SLOPES HYDROLOGY OF TROPICAL SOILS 13. STUDY OF THE EVOLUTION OF A SLOPE BASED ON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE

PEDOLOGIC COVERING, JAGUARIÚNA (SÃO PAULO) BRAZIL 14. THE ROLE OF ROOTS IN THE RECHARGE AND DRAINAGE OF FOREST SOILS 15. MORPHOPEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE INTERFLUVE BETWEEN SAMAMBAIA AND

ARAQUÁ RIVERS IN SÃO PEDRO, SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

16. INTEGRATED STUDY OF LANDFORM MORPHOLOGY, SURFACE MATERIALS AND CURRENT EROSIVE DYNAMIC IN THE ANALYSIS OF THE GEOMORPHIC SYSTEM

17. THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE NAMIB DESERT 18. PARAMETERIZATION OF A MODEL FOR THE TOPOGRAPHIC CONTROL ON

SHALLOW LANDSLIDING FOR APPLICATION TO RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 19. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORFOMETRIC AND LANDSCAPE ASPECTS OF

GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL 20. MORPHOLOGY, ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGES AND EROSION 21. HILLSLOPE DEPOSITS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN THE ESPINHAÇO RANGE

(MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL) THROUGHOUT GEOLOGIC TIME 22. CONCEPTION THE SOLUTION OF PROBLEM OF SURFACE LEVELING OF

EPIGEOSSYNCLINAL OROGENIC BELTS 23. HYDROGEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF FOUR WATERSHEDS IN THE COASTAL

BASIN, PARANÁ STATE, BRAZIL 24. PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF GRASS LAYER, SOIL VEGETATIONAL COVER FROM A

SLOPE IN GOUVEIA, MG: ANALYS OF THE EFFECTS OF FIRE 25. HYDROLOGICAL DYNAMIC IN THE HILLS OF THE INFERNINHO RIVER BASIN,

SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL 26. DEEP WEATHERING AND LANDFORMS IN MID- AND HIGH LATITUDES: TROPICAL

INHERITANCE OR EQUIFINALITY? 27. PREDICTIVE MODELING OF LANDSLIDING IN SEATTLE 28. CENOZOIC PALEODEPOSITIONAL SURFACES AND TOPOGRAPHIC INVERSIONS IN

HILLY LANDSCAPE OF PARAÍBA DO SUL RIVER MIDDLE VALLEY (SP/RJ), BRAZIL. 29. GEOLOGIC CONTROL IN THE EVOLUTION OF EROSIVE LINEAR PROCESSES IN THE

HERCULÃNDIA AND QUINTANA MUNICIPALITIES- SÃO PAULO - BRAZIL 30. BIOGEOMORPHOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RIBERÃO DO CHIQUERO

BASIN, GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL 31. EMPIRIC-EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY TO DETERMINE FRAGILITY OF

HILLSLOPES. A CASE STUDY 32. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE ALCANTILADOS PLATEAU AT THE

PREDOMINANCE AREAS OF SILCRETICS ROCKS IN THE DOM AQUINO AND POXORÉO MUNICIPALITIES - MATO GROSSO STATE, BRAZIL

33. PALAEOGEOMORPHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF DEPRESSED TERRITORIES (ON THE PATERN OF KUR DEPRESSION)

34. REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTROLS OF DEBRIS FLOWS IN SOUTHWESTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA

35. QUANTIFYING THE INFLUENCE OF THE RELIEF ON THE AMAZONIAN LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS

36. QUATERNARY EROSION RATE ESTIMATES FOR ANCIENT AUSTRALIAN CRATONIC SURFACES

37. NEW STRATEGIES FOR UNDERSTANDING LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION 38. PERSPECTIVES ON TROPICAL GEOMORPHOLOGY 39. 40Ar/39Ar WEATHERING AGES FROM ANCIENT AUSTRALIAN CRATONIC SURFACES

40. COMPARISION BETWEEN DIFFERENT PROCEDURES TO OBTAIN CONTRIBUTION AREA MAPS: APPLICATION TO LANDSLIDE HAZARD MODELS

41. RELATIVE INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLING FACTORS ON SHALLOW LANDSLIDES TRIGGERED IN THE PAPAGAIO BASIN, RIO DE JANEIRO

42. PLANATION SURFACES WEATHERING PROFILES AND AGE OF THE TANDILIA RANGE, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

43. DISTRIBUTED MODELLING OF THE WATER EROSION PROCESSES AT THE EVENT SCALE AND CUMULATIVE RASTER ESTIMATES OF ITS LONG TERM APPLICATION IN EXPERIMENTAL BASINS Symposium on Gully Erosion

44. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GULLY EROSION AND LAND USE IN GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

45. GULLIES AS BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS: A CASE STUDY IN GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

46. THE EVOLUTION OF GULLY PROCESSES IN THE TRIANGULO MINEIRO, MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

47. MEASURING SOIL LOSS AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES IN IRAI DE MINAS, MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

48. RECURRENT GULLYING IN A SMALL DRAINAGE BASIN, OURO PRETO (MINAS GERAIS), BRAZIL

49. GULLY EROSION AND TUNNELING EROSION ON THE SOUTHERN "SECOND PARANÃ PLATEAU" (BRAZIL)

50. EROSION PROCESSES ON THE STREAMHEAD OF ARAGUAIA RIVER BASIN (MATO GROSSO AND GOIAS STATE, BRAZIL)

51. HYDRO-BIOPHYSICAL INDICATORS OF EROSION IN THE WATERSHED OF PEREQUË RIVER, "SERRA DO CUBATÃO", "SERRA DO MAR" STATE PARK - SÃO PAULO STATE

52. VALIDATION OF THE WEPP WATERSHED MODEL FOR A SEVERE EROSION EVENT ON THE BREAKY BOTTOM CATCHMENT, SOUTH DOWNS, UK

53. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DUE TO GULLY EROSION IN CÁCERES MATO GROSSO 54. APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING FOR GULLY EROSION: A CASE STUDY 55. HILLSLOPE EROSION - STRATEGIES OF DEFENCE 56. WATER EROSION ASSESSMENT BY GEOPROCESSING THE UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS

EQUATION (USLE) IN THE HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN OF JURUMIRIM RIVER - ANGRA DOS REIS, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

57. JOINT-CONTROLLED GULLYING IN THE PIRACEMA-BANANAL BASIN (SÃO PAULO-RIO DE JANEIRO): THE ROLE OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL GROUNDWATER FLOWS IN CONTROLLING EROSION RATES

58. DIFFERENTIAL RILL EROSION OF MUD ROCKS IN A TECTONIC ACTIVE AREA 59. SOIL COVER AND SOIL EROSION IN AÇAILANDIA-MARANHÃO STATE (EASTERN

AMAZONIA -BRAZIL) 60. GULLY MONITORING IN AÇAILANDIA - MARANHÃO STATE (BRAZIL)

61. REGRESSIVE ALCOVES AND GULLY HEAD EXPANSION ON ALTERNATELY NON-COHESIVE TO COHESIVE MATERIALS

62. ORIGIN AND DYNAMICS OF EROSION PROCESSES IN THE URBAN AND PERIURBAN AREA OF MARINGÁ- PARANÁ

63. DISCONNECTED AND DISCONTINUOUS GULLY EROSION DEVELOPMENT ON VALLEY HEADS: THE "COLÔNIA QUERO-QUERO " STUDY CASE

64. GULLY EROSION FOLLOWING INEFFICIENT EROSION CONTROL MEASURES 65. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON GULLY AND RILL

EROSION: PATY DO ALFERES MUNICIPALITY, SERRA DO MAR (RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL)

66. PREDICTION OF EPHEMERAL GULLY EROSION IN MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENTS

67. RECENT GULLY GROWTH AND THE RATE LAW 68. THE MAJOR TYPES OF GULLIES IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRASIL 69. MONITORING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DEEP GULLIES OF URBAN ZONES

FROM ARAGUAÍNA CITY, TOCANTINS STATE, CENTRAL BRAZIL 70. CARACTERIZATION OF EROSION PROCESSES AT CACHOEIRA DO CAMPO, OURO

PRETO, BRAZIL 71. EPHEMERAL GULLY EROSION IN THE ORDENES BASIN OF A CORUÒA (SPAIN)

SYMPOSIUM: SLOPE PROCESSES THAT PRODUCE STONE-LINES

72. GRAVEL BEDS AND STONE-LINES ASSOCIATED WITH CENOZOIC SEDIMENTARY PROCESSES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN PLATEAU

73. EARLY ANTECEDENT TERM CONCEPTS OF PEDOGENIC STONE LINES 74. STONE-LINES AND OXIC HORIZONS: BIOGENETIC ORGANISATIONS - SOIL FAUNA 75. ORIGIN OF A STONE LINE LATERITIC PROFILE IN CENTRAL BRAZIL


All rights reserved




THE USE OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

(GPR) TO ACCESS SUBSURFACE STRUCTURES

NEAR A HOLLOW WITH GULLY, GOUVEIA -

MINAS GERAIS

Aranha, P.; Augustin, C. and Botelho, M.


Hollows are common features of the landscape in the studied area. In some of them the presence of gullies was

detected. To know the subsurface structure of the slope were they occur may enable a better understanding of gully

development. The sampled hollow occurs on the granite complex of the crystalline basement of Gouveia in an area

marked by tectonic contact which schist, showing also the presence of granite and schist millonites. In the lower part of

the hollow gully process had been taking place regardless of a dense vegetation cover of grass and shrubs. The hollow

was surveyed with GPR (Ramac) with 50 MHz and 100 MHz antennas. The GPR emits EM-pulse wave down to the

ground by the transmitter antenna. The wave reaches the target, refracting and reflecting back to the surface where the

receiver antenna receives it. The refraction and reflection are constraints by the contrast of dielectric properties between

the soils/rocks discontinuities (dielectric impedance). The time-section conversion to depth-section is done using the

velocity obtained by the CMP (common mid point) survey. The GPR profiles were carried out in both directions,

perpendicular and parallel to the main direction of gully drainage, which is almost N-S. The perpendicular profile was

obtained on the left border of the hollow; the others were perpendicular to the gully drainage direction using both

antennas: one next to the gully head and the other at the hollow mound. The CMP's profile was obtained at each initial

profile point. The data was processed using standard procedures: decliping, filtering, gains, and migration.

Geomorphological, geological and pedological profiles information from the area was added to allow the interpretation

of these sections. Some structural features were identified: fractured zone and its (apparent) direction, quartz veins,

geologic contact, water table, soil/rock contact.

*This study was financially supported by FAPEMIG.





TROPICAL LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION:

WEATHERING AND EROSION PROCESSES IN

GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL.

Augustin, C,


There has been a growing awareness of the importance of the weathered mantle in tropical landform evolution. In

Gouveia geochemical characteristics and thickness of the weathered mantle have a close association with lithology,

inherited landscape and erosional phases that has been taking place on a former erosion surface. This surface was

elaborated on the granit-gnaiss from the crystalline basement and schist from the Supergroup Rio Paraúna. It has been

reshaped, in a first phase, through the opening of the main drainage, accompanying broad geological features such as

anticlinal axis and transforming fault systems, while the secondary drainage system had made its incision preferentially

along basic and metabasic intrusions. Drainage incision has created lateral gradients that in some places presented

headwater retreat. The retreat, characterising the second evolutionary phase of local relief has shaped amphitheatres and

hollows that sometimes show the presence of "rampas de colúvio". This phase has been taking place at least since the

upper Pleistocene (corresponding approximately to the Laschamps subchron) leaving humid-clays, with until 23% of

organic matter, as correlative deposits. They were dated with C14 (ð13 C) and the results vary from 38,750 ± 5,100/3,100

Yrs. b.p. to 215 ± 150 Yrs. b.p. showing different periods of erosion/deposition cycles. X-ray analysis of clays shows

the dominance of gibbsite and kaolinite in soils of the remaining older surface that still covers the tops of slopes. These

soils present also high values of Al and Fe and very low Ca, Mg, P, K and N contents. The most recent phase is marked

by gully incision. The reworking of the older surface has created conditions for a younger soil to develop with better

edaphic conditions. Clays of 2:1 type are dominant in these soils that have also higher macronutrient content and were

formed on the valley side, amphitheatres and hollows. The opening of lateral gradients has played an important role in

increasing down-slope washing of clay and organic matter, propitiating accumulation on the lower slope, transforming

these soils into better ones, capable of sustaining dense and rich vegetation cover, and intensive agricultural use.

*This research was financially supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and by FAPEMIG.





GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS IN THE UPPER

JEQUITINHONHA BASIN HIGHLANDS

Campos, J.C.F.1 and Schaefer, C.E.R.2 1 Fundaçao Educacional de Caratinga, MG, Brasil

1 Universidade Federal de Viçosa - MG

The relationship between soils and geomorphology was analized in the upper basin of Jequitinhonha River, through

study of five soils profiles: a weackly developed Latosol originated on metabasic rocks (near Serro), a Red-Yellow

Latosol developed on Tertiary sediments (region of Guinda-São João da Chapada) and a catena composed by a Red-

Yellow Latosol, a Quartzic Sands and a Podzol and developed on quartzites and sandy sediments. The soils represent

yet the main rock types of the Diamantina-Datas-Gouveia Plateau, which corresponds to the Upper Jequitinhonha basin

highlands.

The variety of rock types, associated to the diversity of geomorphological features occuring in this region permited the

coexistence of very diferent pedosystems. In fact, the region shows side by side sandy and clayed soils, with chemical,

physics and mineralogical characteristics partly inherited from parental lithologies, partly associated to the long

landscape history, sometimes rejuvenated by the morfogenesis, other times deepened by the pedogenesis.

The first results reveal that the catena Latosol-Quartzic Sands-Podzol represents a hydrosequence with progressive

ferrolysis towards the lower part of the landscape, as observed in hydrosequences models presented by other authors.

The sequence is progressively hydromorphic, where the destruction of the plasm took place in acid environment.

The latosol of the highest landscapes developed from allochthonous clayed-sandy sediments, setted in disconformity on

the quartzites and its weathered products, and it doesn't show evidence of ferrolysis.

The origin of allochthonous latosolic covers can be the sediments originated from mafic intrusions that cross-cut the

quartzitic plateau, where the selective erosion has afected them at deeper levels than the quartzitic crests. Thus, it seems

evident that a recent relief inversion tooked place. Its consequence is represented by the higher position of those

flattened remnants, ancient playas or wide pediments, between quartzitic monadnocks.





CONTRIBUTION OF PEDOGEOCHEMISTRY TO

THE ANALYSIS OF LATERITES RECOVERING

EROSIONAL SURFACES AT THE EAST BORDER

OF SAO FRANCISCO KRATON- MINAS GERAIS -

BRAZIL

Castro, G., Augustin, C.


Levelling surfaces as a result of geomorphic processes acting in the past has been a very usual geomorphic

interpretation for landscape of some areas. There were identified five standard types of laterites located at the east

border of the São Francisco Craton. They were grouped in accordance with their morphological characteristics that

show a correlation with their probable genesis and with some geologic and geomorphic aspects related to their

development. The sampled areas are representative of an extensive planation surface occurring in the Serra do Cabral

and Água Fria. Sometimes these laterites are associated with the presence of massive deposits of well rounded pebbles

of fluvial origin, possibly Cretaceous, occurring between 800 and 950m height, well above the base level of nowadays

drainage. In this research the evolution of lateritic profiles was analysed based on pedogeochemical aspects that could

be associated with the profile genesis. Emphasis was placed on the degree of weathering and on the chemical

characteristics of the material, in order to establish possible chronologies for the elaboration of the levelling surfaces.

Analysis of some of the lateritic profile constituents (Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 and P2O5), show certain homogeneity in

the values of all chemical elements, except TiO2 that occurs with values varying from 3,00 to 4,00 in 3 of the 10 studied

profiles. These different values suggest the existence of a relationship between the high values found for TiO 2 with the

type of rock underlying the profiles. This has been also detected by others researchers, indicating genetic association

between laterite types and local geological diversity. In studies of several laterites over the world high ratios of TiO2,

which is found in basic rocks, were observed. This lithology coincides with those presenting high values of

TiO2 occurring in the study area. The alteration degree of the ten profiles, on the basis of their chemical characteristics,

allowed to identify the following chronological sequences: a younger surface, with K i index values ranging from 2,07 to

2,12; an older one, with Ki index around 1,59; and a third surface with very low Ki index values (0,64) indicating the

existence of a larger amount of free aluminium (gibbsite), contrasting with the amount of kaolinita which is dominant in

the other profiles.

*This research was financially supported by FAPEMIG.





GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE TIJUCA MASSIF,

RIO DE JANEIRO: PROCESS-RESPONSES TO

EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS

Coelho Netto, A.L.; AVELAR. A.S. and Cruz, E.S.


A Tertiary normal faulting system gave rise to the coastal ranges of Rio de Janeiro where Precambrian gneiss and

granite rocks prevail. Geological structures favor the in situ origin of rounded boulders and blocs. Conspicuous

morphological features are given by round-shaped rocky peaks, called "sugar loaf", and long-steep rock escarpments

(>50°) operate as water recharge zones. Block-rich slope deposits (talus and colluvium) are relatively thicker at the foot

of rock-escarpments or along gentle inclined valley bottoms.

In the Tijuca massif a late secondary Atlantic rainforest yet prevail despite the strong urban pressure in the surrounding

area; however forest degradation is accelerated onto steep slopes due to urban interferences. Two extreme rainfall

events were recorded in the last 30 years in the Upper Tijuca massif (Tijuca National Park): one in February 1988

reached 260mm in the critical day; another in February 1996 when rainfall intensity attained 380 mm in less than 24

hours.

The 1988 event (Guidicini-Iwasa coeff. of type B) led to sparse landslides in the steep slopes of the National Park and

surrounds, being more concentrated along the road cuts. In the 1996 event (Guidicini-Iwasa coeff. of type A, or extreme

landslide hazard), several landslides spread simultaneously onto the steeper western slopes of Papagaio peak, being

relatively sparser in the eastern slopes which drain toward the National Park. Initiation was probably related to mass

impact or suddenly increase of pore-pressure; debris flows predominated and few shallow failures occurred. The

downward propagation was strongly influenced by topography and forest degradation. The eastern-landslides occurred

within the National Park and did not propagated far away apart from their initial places: coarse debris load (blocs, soil

and trees) remained stored in minor hanging plateaus. The longer and steeper western slopes were largely affected by

landslides and extensive rock debris avalanches (>4 km length) reached the adjacent baixada of Jacarepaguá.

Avalanches led to bedrock incision, leaving behind deeper and wider channels.





CUESTA -TYPE LANDFORMS IN THE SOUTH

AMERICAN SUBHUMID TROPICS - A CASE

STUDY

Coimbra, J.S.1 and Coltrinari, L.2 1 Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected]

Detailed geomorphologic survey was carried out on a cuesta escarpment section within the border of Parana

sedimentary basin aiming to propose an explanatory description of those landforms. Together with data concerning

chemical weathering, biological processes, present-day morphogenesis, and tectonics this research intends to contribute

to the better understanding of geomorphologic evolution on cuesta-type inter-plateaux transitions in South American

subhumid tropics.

Landforms analysis was performed between the cities of São Jerônimo da Serra and Sapopema (Paraná state). Within

the sedimentary basin flood basalts built by Jurassic fissure volcanism alternate with Palaeozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary

rocks; altitudes range from 200 to 1200m a.s.l. The sample section encloses from top to bottom the back-slope known

locally as "third (highest) plateau", the front slope or cuesta escarpment, and the associated orthoclinal lowland. Slope

profile survey employed Pitty pantometer which allows direct data survey of slope profiles with a 1.5m accuracy.

Numerical analysis followed Doornkamp & King (1971) and Blong (1975) procedures and led to the development of

techniques for automatic identification of inflection points, i. e., points limiting segments and elements in the slope

profile. Correlation of field survey results with contour maps and GPS (Global Position Satellite) data besides the use of

infra-red interaction engineer level made the building of contour maps and surface diagram blocks possible.





PLANATION SURFACES IN SOUTHEASTERN

BRAZIL: SAO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS PLATEAU

(TAUBATÉ BASIN, SAO PAULO)

Coltrinari, L.

Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected].

The study area comprises a stretch of hilly landforms on the right margin of the Paraíba do Sul river, approximately

between São José dos Campos and Caçapava cities, known as São José dos Campos plateau. The Paraíba do Sul river

upper-middle valley is located in Taubaté basin, a 220 km long continental taphrogenic basin in the E-NE trending

Serra do Mar Rifts System, filled with Tertiary and Quaternary sediments of Taubaté group. The middle and upper

fluvial - lacustrian rock sequences include mudrocks and claystones interbedded with, and capped by, sandstones and

pebble layers.

Multispectral MSS/LANDSAT images helped to identify topographic levels and interfluves morphology in the SW

section of Taubaté basin. Level summits (630 to 700 m) located along the NW slope of Serra do Mar are the best

preserved areas of a Upper Tertiary planation surface identified as Neogene by Martonne and currently known as São

José dos Campos plateau. Narrower and lower (610 to 630 m) interfluves are found downstream.

Detailed landform and materials survey indicate the regional extension of depressions and slope hollows and

predominance of extensive latossolic covers which can be related to geochemical activity in São José dos Campos

surface. Progressive lowering of interfluves from SW to NE points to ongoing degradation of the planation surface from

Caçapava towards the SW extremity of Taubaté basin. These processes are probably linked to water-table lowering to a

regional base-level associated to exposures of Precambrian rocks cutting Tertiary sediments near Caçapava.

Predominance of solution processes reveal that São José dos Campos plateau evolution is related to geochemical

processes and etchplanation rather than to mechanical morphogenesis as previously suggested.





GEOTECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GULLY

PROCESSES OF GOUVEIA - MG

Costa, W. D.; Parizzi, G. M. and Augustin, C.


This paper presents the results of a research conducted in Gouveia with the objective of characterizing the

phenomenology of gully processes under the geotecnical point of view. It emphasizes the influence of different

materials related with the dynamics of the mass movements involved in the regressive retreat of gully head. The study

area is localized at approximately 8 km of the city of Gouveia on the slopes limited by Padre and Tamanduá streams.

On these slopes there were 11 gullies observed, 8 of which are active. The gully process in this area shows an intimate

relationship with the local geology and with the anthropical activity which has been taking place in that area over the

decades. The influence of geology in the gully evolution begins when planes of rock weakness (foliation, fractures, etc.)

are intercepted by channel incision in the initial stages of erosion. Both regressive headwater erosion and lateral

enlargement transversal to the gully axis are conditioned by the direction and dip of structural rock features. Also the

different resistance to the erosion is imposed by different rock lithology, being the diabase the most prone one in

comparison to the schist and granit-gnaiss. When the depth of the erosion reaches the phreatic level, the process is

abruptly increased with development of piping, digging out the foot of the gullywall and collapse of blocks of the

saprolite leaving verticals high walls. The results of the hydrogeotecnial analysis, including discharge measurements,

allow the following conclusion: the stream flow average inside the sampled gullies reached its maximum 7 months after

the beginning of the rainy period. During May the stream flow is 10 to 15 times bigger than that measured in October,

period of the beginning of the rain; the role of piping in the headwater regression is more accentuated in those gullies

situated at the upper streams basin.






FEBRUARY 1996 LANDSLIDE SCARS AND

SUBSEQUENT EROSION: TIJUCA MASSIF, RIO DE

JANEIRO

Cruz, E.S.; Vilela, C. and Coelho Netto, A.L.


In response to extreme rainfall events of February 1996 (380 mm, less than 24 hours) landslide scars spread along the

western peak zone of Tijuca massif, between Papagaio and Taquara peaks. Debris flows and shallow failures left behind

finger-like scars before feeding extensive rock debris avalanches along the main river channels which drain toward the

baixada of Jacarepaguá. Finger-scars (n= 93) vary in size, shape and surface materials (bare rocks, weathered rocks,

saprolite or colluvium). An erosive feature prevail on steeper slopes, while a depositional zone may be developed in the

lower portion, particularly when associated with slope breaks at hanging plateaus or adjacent valley bottoms. Erosion is

dominated by the action of hortonian overland flow. Gullying tend to develop onto the depositional zone and may

extend over the upper erosive zone wherever soil is available for transportation. Rocky blocks remain as lag deposits

into the gully, particularly in the plateaus and valley bottoms filled up with landslide deposits.

Detailed field observations and erosion measurements have been conducted in a representative landslide scar of

February 1996, which is located in forested-slopes in the eastern side of Papagaio peak. The average sheetwash erosion

is on the order of 10,5 ton/ha/year; ranging from 30 ton/ha/year, on bare soil to -0,056- ton/m2/year on the interrill

vegetation regrowing area. In the depositional feature, the average gully erosion rates (measured for the period of august

1997 to april 1999) is on the order of 4.450 ton/m2/year.

Erosion susceptibility and rates will tend to increase around the scar, as landslide-clearing sites promote forest

deterioration and decay of root strength due to border effects (microclimatic changes), especially in larger scars. In ten

years forest vegetation will not be fully recovered in their functional aspects that regulate both hydrological and

mechanical soil properties on forested slopes.





THE ROLE OF MESOFAUNA ON THE RECYCLING

OF THE SOILS ON THE SLOPES AT GOUVEIA,

MINAS GERAIS

Dias, J. B. and Augustin, C.


The influence of the fauna on the development of slope processes has not yet received sufficient attention in

geomorphologic studies. Preliminary studies in the area have detected the intense activity of meso-fauna (termites and

ants) providing the slope surface with a representative amount of loose material washed down-slope by sheet erosion.

This study has focussed the attention onto the impact of the meso-fauna on the physic and chemical characteristics of

the soil. They are predominantly latosoils developed on granit-gnaiss of the crystalline basement, and of schist from the

Rio Paraúna Supergroup, in Gouveia, MG. They are very weathered soils containing low concentration of Ca, Mg, K, P,

N and high of Al and Fe. Thirty geomorphologic sites were identified in ten slopes, along the Chiqueiro Basin, in the

middle of which soil profiles were opened, observed and sampled for laboratory analysis. Within 40m around the site,

measurement of termites and ants mounding as well as samples for laboratory were taken. Results of chemical soil-

analysis have shown a higher concentration of macronutrients in the superficial horizon of the soils localised near the

mounds compared to those located at greater distances. Although similar results are reported in the literature, the values

are not as representative as those found for Gouveia. This is very important to enhance soil capability of sustaining

vegetation cover and soil resistance to erosion. The X-ray analysis of clay demonstrated that the mesofauna proceeds to

a selection of the edaphic material to build the mounds, especially the termites that use more 2:1 type of clays. In doing

so they have an important role in recycling the soil of the region.

*This research is financially supported by FAPEMIG.





HILLSLOPE EVOLUTION BY DIFFUSIVE

PROCESSES IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL: THE

CONVEX HILLTOPS OF MAGÉ (RIO DE JANEIRO)

Fernandes, N.F.; Guimarães, M.S.B. and Santi, C.B.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, [email protected]

Soil-mantled landscapes, like the "Mar de Morros" of southeastern Brazil, are characterized by smooth convex hilltops.

These forms have been interpreted as characteristic of well-developed landscapes, as the ones prevailing in most of the

tropics nowadays. They have also been used to support the classical idea of dynamic equilibrium, implicity proposed by

Gilbert and later extended by Hack.

Although the origin of these convex hillslopes have been attributed to the work of diffusive (slope-dependent) processes

like creep, rainsplash and biogenic activity, numerical models have shown that baselevel changes, controlled by the

incision rate at the base of the profile, also play a major role on controlling the final hillslope curvature. Besides, it is

known that equilibrium profiles may be attained on hillslopes evolving, under constant diffusive processes and incision

rates (Bd), for a period of time longer than the hillslope relaxation time. However, some of these numerical experiments

suggested that the relaxation times for these convex hilltops, when responding to the typical climatic and tectonic

oscillations that have occurred along the Quaternary, may be much longer than the frequency of such oscillations,

prevailing these hillslope profiles to attain the dynamic equilibrium condition. Although the diffusion coefficient (D) is

a key parameter in diffusion-based models of landscape evolution, few studies have tried to estimate it from field

investigations.

This study focus on the geomorphological meaning of the smooth convex hilltops of Magé, Rio de Janeiro, based on

field investigations and numerical experiments. Detailed curvature profiles were surveyed on many hillslopes and the

ratio Bd/D was later estimated. The results showed that this ratio varies inside a small range, from 25 to 130 (x10 -4 m-1).

Because the incision rate and the diffusion coefficient may vary a couple of orders of magnitude, the results presented

here do not allow us to neglect the idea of dynamic equilibrium in this area.





IRON OXIDES EFFECT ON FINE PARTICLES

AGGREGATION: IMPORTANCE FOR SLOPES

HYDROLOGY OF TROPICAL SOILS

Figueiredo, M.; Augustin, C. and Fabris, J.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected],

[email protected]

Agglutination of clay particles in tropical soils is not well studied although it is already known process in the savannah

conditions. This research had the objective to verify clay behaviour in the savannah latosoils from Gouveia and also to

detect possible causes of it. The B-horizon of soil collected on the upper slopes, and developed over three different

lithologies: schist, granite and metabasic rocks, was analysed. Two granulometric analyses were conducted: with NaOH

and H2O. Silt particle was treated with DCB, DRX, Mössbauer spectrometry and MEV to determine physical and

chemical differences between the types of soil from the three lithopedological domains. The results of the texture using

two different dispersants show great variation. There is a significant increase in the percentage of clay after the

treatment with NaOH, indicating the occurrence of aggregation of this particular size that is not detected when only H2O

is used as dispersant. The most representative variation of the percentage of clay is that of soil from metabasic rocks,

richer in iron content. Treatment with DCB, which takes away crystalline iron oxides, shows even more expressive

results with the increase of clay in detriment especially of silt percentages, although percentage of fine sand has also

shown decrease. X-ray difractometry of the samples demonstrated the predominance of aluminosilicates minerals. The

EM detected the presence of ghoetit and hematite in all soil samples, and of maghemetit in those of metabasic rocks.

The results of the MEV show a hierarquization in the aggregates micromorphology. These macroaggregates as well as

the voids size are bigger in the soils from schist. In contrast, in the soils from metabasics the aggregates and the voids

are smaller and less frequent. Soils from granite show intermediated characteristics of both previous ones. The results

draw the attention to the agglutination capacity of iron oxide, although aluminium and silica can also be involved. A

better understanding of this process in tropical environments is of fundamental importance because of its influence on

hydrological behaviour of soils.






STUDY OF THE EVOLUTION OF A SLOPE BASED

ON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PEDOLOGIC

COVERING, JAGUARIÚNA (SÃO PAULO) BRAZIL

Filizola, H.F.1; Boulet, R.2 and Gomes, M.A.F.1 1 Embrapa Meio Ambiente, Brasil, [email protected]

2 Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, gomes @ cnpma.embrapa.br

The present study was conducted in the county of Jaguariúna (Experimental Field of the Embrapa, Environment), to

understand the recent evolution of the slope adjacent to headwaters. A representative soil transect was studied through

borehole and trenches, of the top up to the drainage axis, with the objective of reconstituting of the organization of the

pedologic covering. It was verified that, starting from the inferior third part of the slope, it exists, inside of the latossolic

covering, a hidromorphic horizon. This horizon has the same morphology of the current water magazine located in the

base of the pedologic covering. These two hidromorfics groups are separated through a latossolic material that

disappears when these two groups reach each other. In the basis of the slope, above the alteration material with facies of

water magazine, there is a peat, with up to 1,5m of thickness, dated, through 14C, of 31250 + / - 250 years AP.

Covering it there is a colluvium.

We have hypothesized that the horizon with morphology of water magazine constitutes a relic of an old magazine from

a period when the pedologic covering was in higher level than the current. The understanding of the several phases of

evolution will distinguish the following episodes in the considered period (of unknown maximum age):

1. - An initial phase in that a latossolic covering existed with suspended water table,

2. - An incision phase due to a fast lowering of the base level,

3. - A phase of stability of the base level when the drainage axis presented a wetland morphology in which was

formed the peat.

4. - The current phase when the slope was rectified by erosion to amount and colluvial deposits at the

downstream. The valley acquires morphology in open V, with slopes lightly convex-concave.


All rights reserved

AG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology



THE ROLE OF ROOTS IN THE RECHARGE AND

DRAINAGE OF FOREST SOILS

Freire Allemão, A.V. and Coelho Netto, A.L.


Studies seeking the understanding of the role played by the root systems in the recharge and drainage of forest soils,

were developed in a sub-basin (Snake Catchment), in the Tijuca Forest National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Tensiometers

were installed in areas with and without the presence of roots of arbore affixation. Along one year, daily readings were

accomplished and, during the rains, in smaller intervals of time. It also took place the characterization of the vegetation

structure, of the roots distribution biomass and analysis of the physical and hydraulic properties of the soil matrix.

The results demonstrate that the depths of 10 and 20 cm present the largest monthly medium suctions along of the year

and the layer of 40 cm presents smaller suctions than the layer above it. The depths of 80 and 120 cm present the

smallest suctions, with low variations along the monitorated time. During the rain events, the tensiometers around the

trees present smaller suctions than the area without the presence of roots, which demonstrates a faster recharge in these

areas. Shortly after the rainfall, the depth of 40 cm drains more rapidly. The most superficial layer wets and drains

quickly, being this behavior related to the physical properties of the soil and the biomass of fine roots. In the subsurface

layers, the recharge and drainage processes in the areas with presence of roots happen in a faster way, attesting the role

played by the root systems as preferential infiltration pathways.





MORPHOPEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE

INTERFLUVE BETWEEN SAMAMBAIA AND

ARAQUÁ RIVERS IN SÃO PEDRO, SÃO PAULO

STATE, BRAZIL

Furquim, S.C.1; Castro, S.S.2 and Ferreira, R.D.1 1 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil, [email protected], [email protected]

2 Universidade Federal de Goiás, GO, Brasil, [email protected]

The main goal of this research was to elaborate a morphopedological map of the northern-central sector of the Araquá -

Samambaia interfluve, in São Pedro. We also tried to correlate this map with data extracted from similar studies

performed in neighboring interfluves, where three zones with different drainage density and related pedologic systems

were identified: Broad Interfluves Zone, Transition Zone and Narrow Interfluves Zone (1:50.000).

Morphopedological compartmentation, based on hypsometric, gradient, morphological and pedological maps, allowed

the recognition of seven compartments in the study area (1:25.000) and the comparison with the zones identified in

neighboring interfluves.

One of the morphopedological compartments presents the highest altitudes (510 - 640 metres), the lowest gradients (0 -

6°), the lowest drainage density (2.6 Km/Km2) and the deepest soils along hillslopes in the study area and can be

compared with Broad Interfluves Zone of the adjacent interfluves; two of them present lower altitudes (470 - 608

metres), higher gradients (6° - 20°), higher drainage density (4.0 - 4.3 Km/Km2), thick soils on the tops and shallow

soils on hillslopes, corresponding to the Narrow Interfluves Zone outside the sample area; and two compartments

present intermediate features of the previous ones, similar to the Transition Zone identified in the neighboring areas.

The two remaining morphopedological compartments show low to high gradients (0 - 20°), medium to high drainage

density (3.9 - 7.5 Km./Km2) and predominance of shallow to medium-thickness soils. Similar features were not found

on interfluves outside the area.





INTEGRATED STUDY OF LANDFORM

MORPHOLOGY, SURFACE MATERIALS AND

CURRENT EROSIVE DYNAMIC IN THE ANALYSIS

OF THE GEOMORPHIC SYSTEM

Gimenes, A.C.W.

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, ES, Brasil Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil,

[email protected]

This study aims the interpretation of geomorphic system, starting from the comprehension of the spatial arrangement of

the landform morphology, the unconsolidated superficial materials (elluvium, colluvium, alluvium) and current

geomorphic/hydrodynamics process, supported in Ab'Saber's (1969) conceptual proposition, and according to the

interpretation of system in Geomorphology presented by Carson e Kirkby (1972).

The area core ("Mestre Álvaro", Serra/Espírito Santo/Brazil) is a semicircular geomorphologic unity presenting an

intrusive structure, a granite body, gneissed in the boards, with topographic amplitude above 800 metres, near the coast,

with an annual average precipitation of 1.300 mm; presenting orographic effect upon the air mass, which produces a

great pluviometric gradient that reaches the surface of the hillslopes at unbalanced concentration in the different faces of

orientation, characteristic of a possible influence upon the dynamic of evolution of geomorphic processes.

The arised hypothesis is the one which shows the existence of observable differentiation in the characteristics presented

by the superficial materials in different altitudinal positions and orientation of hillslopes, corresponding to the elements

presenting 4th, 5th e 6th taxonomic order forms defined by Ross (1992), respectively, topomorphological areas all over

the mountain, hillslope morphologies and the geomorphic/hydrodynamic processes.

Therefore, the study finds fundament in two main methodological propositions for the execution of an analysis related

to the Geomorphology:

1. Application of Minimum Feature Model (Colangelo, 1989) in the cartographation of integrated forms,

materials and processes, which assuring the immediate visualization of the relationships established between

the variables, besides the respective measurements.

2. Use of semilogarithmic analysis of magnitude-frequency of the daily rainfall (Ahnert, 1987) in the

identification and study of "the most effective" event and associated processes.


All rights reserved




THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF

THE NAMIB DESERT

Goudie, A.S.

University of Oxford, UK, [email protected]

The Namib Desert in south western Africa, has a long history of evolution. In the Cretaceous the opening of the South

Atlantic and the presence of a mantle plume led to the emplacement of various major intrusions and the eruption of

great spreads of lava - the Etendeka lavas. The present landscape of the Namib shows the impression of these events. In

addition, there is evidence that aridity has characterised the area for much of the last 140 million years, and that

processes such as salt weathering have led to the planation of extensive areas. The Namib is dominated by the major

intrusions, by wide plains, and by a Great Escarpment.





PARAMETERIZATION OF A MODEL FOR THE

TOPOGRAPHIC CONTROL ON SHALLOW

LANDSLIDING FOR APPLICATION TO RIO DE

JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Guimaraes, R.F.1; Montgomery, D.R.2; Greenberg, H.M.2; Gomes, R.A.3 and Fernandes, N.F.3 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Universidade de Brasília, Brasil, [email protected]

2 University of Washington/UW, EUA

3 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

A key problem in the use of physically-based models of landslide hazards is how to parameterize the representation of

soil properties. We applied a physically-based model for the topographic control on shallow landsliding (SHALSTAB)

to two catchments in Rio de Janeiro. In particular we investigate the accuracy of the model results in relation to

parameterization of soil properties to address the relevance of the use values derived from laboratories tests to the field

problem and the trade-offs inherent in model parameterization when such data doesn't exist. From this previous research

we established the relation range of possible cohesion, bulk density and friction angle values and run the model for all

of possible discrete combinations. Many comparisons were made between model results and mapped landslides scars.

Through the number of the pixels that corresponds to be predicted unstable for each set parameter was built a rank

sorted from the best to worse model results performance. To optimize and to better visualize this methodology we

submit the data rank to a robust regression, to find an equation that represents all the parameters combinations. With

this equation we found a surface that represents the combination of the best parameterization for the best rank results.

Our analysis suggested a trade off such that there isn't a unique best model and also showed the importance of to

calibrate such model to field data. The results attest that the application of the model to an area where the soil properties

are not well known requires a previous calibration of these parameters with the landslide map. Only after this step, the

model can be used as a predictive tool.





RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORFOMETRIC AND

LANDSCAPE ASPECTS OF GOUVEIA, MINAS

GERAIS, BRAZIL

Jardim, E.L. and Augustin, C.


The municipality of Gouveia is part of the Mining Micro-region of Diamantina, localised in the Alto Jequitinhonha

Zone, in the so-called "High Surfaces Elaborated on Proterozoic Rocks" domain. The relief is predominantly developed

over rocks of the Espinhaço Supergroup where there is also the highest altitude of the municipality (1,582 m). It

presents a Cwb (mesotemic of altitude) type of climate, characterised by dry winters and mild and humid summers with

an average annual precipitation ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 mm. Geomorphologic, climatic and pedological aspects of

the area associated with the type of land use are responsible for the erosional problems along the entire agricultural

zone. In this context it is important to carry out a study with the objective of establishing a correlation between elements

of the landscape, such as morphology and superficial slope cover, and morphometric parameters. This approach allows

a better understanding of local landscape dynamics and the resulting maps can be used as an orientation to land use and

occupation. Maps of hydrographic and relief amplitude were produced, digitalised and inserted into digital medium. A

cross interaction was accomplished, generating a map of general relief dissection of the area. An orbital satellite TM-

Landsat5, RGB453, image was also processed resulting in a superficial formation and land use map. The topographic

map has also been digitised in a 3D to enable a better representation of the morphological land use and superficial

formation data. All information was inserted in data storage using the sofwares MicroStation Geographycs and MapInfo

in order to allow better access, recuperation and future complementation of the data for the study area.






MORPHOLOGY, ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGES

AND EROSION

Karfunkel, J.1; Addad, J.1; Banko, A.G.2; Wolfgang, H.3 and Hoover, D.4 1 Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil, [email protected]

2 University of Vienna, Austria, [email protected]

3 Technical University of Vienna, Austria

4 Hoover Assc. Springfield

The Espinhaço Range in central-eastern Brazil was chosen by the authors as the study subject for the present research. It

represents a typical site for orographic thunderstorms, which develop from the forced ascent of conditionally unstable

air along the mountain barrier. Rocks exposed at the earth's surface undergo weathering. The loosing and removal of

rock materials by any process, the erosion, is more effective at elevations (e.g. mountain ranges), providing thus the

source of debris and resulting in the formation of soils. Atmospheric discharges have very peculiar features: Velocit ies

of 160.000 km/sec and plasma temperatures of 30.000°C are achieved in nanoseconds in lightning channels. The

authors introduced the term "Electromechanical-Disintegration" (ED) for damage of minerals and rocks on the earth's

surface due to lightning. Evidence are: Presence of b-quartz (T > 573°C, called "Flashstones" by local diggers); melted

barbed wires (T > 1500°C); furrows in soils and colluvium up to 100 m long with the presence of cristobalite, the high

temperature modification of quartz. (1470-1713°C). In permeable Precambrian quartzites the instantaneous shock rise

of temperature from 15 to over 1500°C results in an extremely severe explosion like expansion of water, leading to the

formation of fissures and widening of other systems. The enormous pressure of about 35 kbar can be estimated by the

presence of coesite relicts, the rare high pressure polymorph of quartz. The ED is one of the more important starting

mechanism for other weathering processes, because chemical agents can attack each newly made fragment from all

sides and can descend even deeper into bedrock as new cracks are formed or older one extends. Thus, the ED is a new

term for a type of weathering as old as the planet's lithosphere and represents an important exogenic process for the

beginning of erosion and the formation of soils.





HILLSLOPE DEPOSITS OF ECONOMIC

IMPORTANCE IN THE ESPINHAÇO RANGE

(MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL) THROUGHOUT

GEOLOGIC TIME

Karfunkel, J.1; Addad, J.1; Banko, A.G.2; Hoppe, A.3 and Walde, D.4 1 Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil

2 University of Vienna, Austria

3 Hessisches Landesamt für Bodenforschung, Germany

4 Universidade de Brasilia, DF,Brasil

E-mail: [email protected]

Precambrian and Phanerozoic deposits in this Range are locally mineralized in diamond and gemmy quartz,

representing the more important surviving mean of its population. The Middle Proterozoic (± 1.7 Ga) diamondiferous

conglomerates and alluvial fan deposits are the oldest hillslope deposits of economic importance, and have been worked

for over 250 years. The former with a medium minerable ore of 0.01-0.2 ct/m3 have been interpreted as costal deposits,

whereas other authors prefer an origin through continental braided systems. The source rock is unknown. The alluvial

fans with similar grades are of limited distribution and were formed by mean of steep slopes during a semiarid climate.

Two uplifts of the Range generated other hillslope deposits. The first, during the Lower Cretaceous conducted to

morphodynamic processes which formed braided river systems. These conglomerates contain locally diamonds from

the reworked Precambrian deposits. The second, at the end of Tertiary, shaped the modern Range and resulted in

fanglomerates, ocassionally minerable for diamonds. Throughout the last glaciation the average annual temperature in

the Range was lower than today, leading to frost wedging and to mechanical disintegration of rocks and the more

resistant quartz veins. During Early Holocene, about 10 ky BP, climatic changes resulted in a pluvial regime and

consequently sheet erosion and the loss of silt and clay on gentle slopes. Colluvial layers have been formed, containing

about 80% quartz fragments from the veins in a sandy matrix, locally diamondiferous. Gemmy quartz crystals survived

climatic changes and are an easy target for small diggers. The economically more important deposits of the Range are

subrecent alluvial gravels. Although of a very low medium minerable content in diamonds, flats have immense reserves.

The Espinhaço Range is a typical site for developments of pluriphase hillslope deposits reflecting the economic

importance of morphoclimatic processes.





CONCEPTION THE SOLUTION OF PROBLEM OF

SURFACE LEVELING OF EPIGEOSSYNCLINAL

OROGENIC BELTS

Khalilov, H.A.

Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences

The surface levelling of epigeosynclinal mountains is considered the fragments of abrasion planes formed at the level of

common basis of erosion and deformed later on at various levels. The conception of these mountains, the mobile

geotectonic systems of lithosfere, complexity the development peculiarities of morphostructures shows not a complete

conformation of their peneplenizaton and transformation at common surface of penepen type. And this, in its therm, is

considered as the factor providing the possibilities of incomplete destruction of surface levelling and thus preservation

in relief their fragments of Mesozoic age. At the same time, development of morphostructures at the background of

sharp differentiated tectonic movements shows the existence between age and height or surface levelling, against

traditional accepted one-side correlation (age or surface levelling directly depends on their heights), on many-structured

correlation (different age surface levelling are situated closely, same-aged at different levels, young one higher than

ancients, etc.). In other hand, genetic adequateness of surface levelling and transgressive disagreement in stratigraphic

sections forming the sediments, and space-time celations with each order allow to reveal a certain natural relations

between them; surface levelling and disagreement of synchronic phenomena; indecies of transgressive and regressive

conditions and abrasion of basin and so on. Hence, abrasion-stratigraphical conception is suggested in the solution of

the problems of surface levilling of epigeosynclinal orogens, principle of geomorphological correlativity developing as

methodological basis of relief studies.





HYDROGEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF FOUR

WATERSHEDS IN THE COASTAL BASIN, PARANÁ

STATE, BRAZIL

Kobiyama, M.1; Manfroi, O.1; Minella, J.P.G.1 and Bittencourt, J.2 1 Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR, Brasil

2 UNICAMP, Brasil


Characterized by the presence of the Atlantic Forest, ecotourism, high biodiversity, an environmental protection area

and so on, the Coastal Basin is one of 16 Basins in Paraná State, Brazil. In this work, hydrogeomorphological processes

were analyzed for 4 watersheds (Nhundiaquara, Marumbi, Tagaçaba and Guaraqueçaba) in the Coastal Basin. Using

maps, the geomorphological characteristics, such as drainage area, coefficient of compactness, form factor, drainage

density, steepness and stream order, were determined for each watershed. No significant differences for these factors

were found between the four watersheds. Using rainfall and runoff data provided by SUDERHSA, the hydrograph

separation in annual water balance was carried out with two methods:

(1) the graphical method proposed by HEWLETTE & HIBBERT (1967) and

(2) the numerical model HYCYMODEL. Through the calibration of HYCYMODEL for the rainfall-runoff

processes of the watersheds, the values of the 9 parameters of this model were determined.

The results obtained from both methods were almost equal, showing that the baseflow was approximately 29% of the

total discharge for Nhundiaquara and Marumbi and 75% for Tagaçaba and Guaraqueçaba. Parameters D16 and D50,

expressing the soil layer thickness, were found to be much smaller for Nhundiaquara and Marumbi than for Tagaçaba

and Guaraqueçaba. Therefore it is concluded that a thinner soil layer generates large values of direct runoff in

Nhundiaquara and Marumbi and that an opposite phenomenon occurs in Tagaçaba and Guaraqueçaba.





PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF GRASS LAYER, SOIL

VEGETATIONAL COVER FROM A SLOPE IN

GOUVEIA, MG: ANALYS OF THE EFFECTS OF

FIRE

Lemos Filho, J.P, Paula, S.A. and Augustin, C.

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil


Extensive cattle raising, one of the main economic activities of the Cerrado area of Gouveia, has being carried out with

the use of technique that frequently includes the use of vegetation burning. This study has the objective to verify the

effects of burning on the soil vegetation cover and on the biomass production. A catena sequence was sampled and 6

areas, placed in the centre of a geomorphological site, were selected for soil profile observation and for vegetation

collection and measurement. Three of these points were localised in places recently burned (less than a week) and three

outside the area affected by fire. In each area, four samples of epiphea phytomass were collected using a 0,25

m2 quadrate. To determine soil vegetation cover, the leaf aerial index (LAI) has been used and the total foliar area per

unit of the terrain, obtained through the equipment "Plant Canopy Analyser LI-COR 2000" that gives indirect values of

the AFI. An increase of the biomass in the burned areas by the end of the rainy season (April) was observed. The values

are ranging from 3.15±0.34 ton/ha to 4.92±0.77 ton/ha in those burned areas, and from 4.42±1.23 ton/ha to 5.00±0.72

ton/ha in those not burned. The values of the LAI have also shown rapid increase after the fire action, reaching after the

rainy season values varying between 1,2±0,31 e 2,12±0,2 in those burned, and 1.27± and 2,0±0.55 in those not burned.

The results after a year of observation and measurements confirm the rapid recuperation of the grass/herbaceous strata

in the geotropic savannahs after burning. This has in important influence on soil protection to prevent erosion.






HYDROLOGICAL DYNAMIC IN THE HILLS OF

THE INFERNINHO RIVER BASIN, SANTA

CATARINA, BRAZIL

Luiz, E.L.

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. RJ, Brasil


Mass movements are important geomorphic agents in the Inferninho river basin. Studies carried out in the area showed

that hillslope hydrology plays a major role in that movements. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the

hydrological dynamic in the hills of the basin.

Toposequences were investigated in a slope limited by the alluvial plain, with height of 50m and with landslide scars.

Precipitation, gravimetric moisture and piezometric levels were monitored during one year in this slope.

The material in situ along the studied hill forms a vertical succession of horizons following the topography, with lateral

variations at the base originated by the water table. Heterogeneous colluvium appears inside the scars and sandy

alluvium occurs at the base of the slope. Yellow levels with saturation indication are developed in the materials of the

scar, coinciding with the position of the piezometric levels during intensive rainfalls. Also, yellow levels appear in the

top of the slope, where they seem to be a stage of shut depressions development. Geophysical investigations

accomplished in the area show that the weathered bedrock is deeper at the top of the hillslope than at its base.

An alignment with accumulation of iron is found below the large scar, at the contact of the sandy alluvial package with

the weathered bedrock, indicating an old path of preferential flow. Today, subsurface flow converges to an alignment

inside the large scar where the topography is divergent at the surface. This occurs because of the existence of colluvial

materials with high values of hydraulic conductivity. In another alignment, the concave form of the slope maintains the

water table in high total potentials.

The exfiltration of subsurface flow at the footslope expands the scar, generating a channel head with permanent flow.

Saturation overland flow was observed in very humid periods in the contact between the hillslope and the plain.





DEEP WEATHERING AND LANDFORMS IN MID-

AND HIGH LATITUDES: TROPICAL

INHERITANCE OR EQUIFINALITY?

Migon, P.

University of Wroclaw, Poland

The last 20 years or so have witnessed a growing number of papers reporting the occurrence of thick mantles of

weathering residuals in northern mid- and high latitudes and linking them with landforming processes. In particular,

purportedly bare shield areas within the extent of Pleistocene glaciations have been shown to retain an extensive

saprolitic mantle whose thickness may well exceed 20 m. Characteristic landform assemblages of residual hills, tors and

boulder fields, undulating plateaux and rock-cut basins are interpreted as products of selective deep weathering that has

been exploiting various lithological and structural differences within bedrock, hence essentially as an exposed

weathering front. The notion 'etchsurface' gains modest popularity and etched landscapes are now described from as

diverse areas as Central Europe, the British Isles, Fennoscandian Shield, Iberian Peninsula and Laurentide Shield of

North America.

A question arises if the saprolites and associated landforms are relicts of tropical millieu of the Mesozoic and

Palaeogene, as has often been claimed, or whether they illustrate the principle of convergence in different

morphoclimatic zones. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that many of the thick saprolites and etched landforms are of

Cretaceous and/or Palaeogene age, whilst an independent evidence exists for warm and predominantly humid

environments at that time. However, it needs to be emphasised that much of the Mesozoic and Palaeogene were

protracted periods of tectonic calm, thus additionally favouring weathering profile deepening. The most important

finding is the recognition of regionally extensive deep weathering of sandy and grus type in the geological record of the

rather temperate Neogene. These saprolites, although geochemically 'immature', may attain 10 m or more in thickness

and mantle tor-like bedrock projections and boulders. Sandy weathering is likely to proceed at a relatively fast rate and

efficient denudation leads to the exposure of a new generation of etchsurfaces that bear no relationship to their much

older, 'tropical' counterparts. It may be proposed that tropical conditions are not necessary for the phenomenon of deep

weathering to occur and etched landforms to form, although the exact type of weathering, mechanisms of stripping and

resultant relief seem to differ between tropical and temperate environments.





PREDICTIVE MODELING OF LANDSLIDING IN

SEATTLE

Montgomery, D.R.1; Greenberg, H.M.1; Laprade, W.T.2; Nashem, W.D.2 1 University of Washington, Seattle, WA, EUA

2 Shannon and Wilson Consulting Company, EUA

Compilation of a 100-year record of landslide locations allows testing of a processbased model for shallow landslide

initiation in the City of Seattle, Washington. The model is based on coupling a topographically-driven model for

shallow throughflow with the infinite-slope stability model. Three digital elevation models (DEMs) were used to

generate predicted patterns of potentially unstable ground: the standard US Geological Survey (USGS) 30 m DEM; a 10

m DEM created from USGS 7.5' topographic contours; and a 1.5 m DEM created from Seattle Engineering Department

contours. Model performance varied with DEM grid size, but areas identified as high risk occupy less than 1% of the

area of the City. The map of historic landslide locations corresponds well to areas predicted to be at risk for shallow

landslide initiation in spite of the extensive hydrologic modifications typical of urban environments and the strong

influence of glacial stratigraphy and groundwater flow on landslide processes in Seattle. The unique long-term record of

landslide locations indicates that areas predicted to be potentially unstable but that have not yet failed should be

interpreted as at risk of failure, as approximately half of the area of potentially unstable ground is associated with

known landslides over the period of record. Our analysis indicates that landslide hazards in Seattle are associated with a

small but dispersed area of the City that can be objectively identified using simple process models in spite of the

hydrologic complexity of the urban environment.





CENOZOIC PALEODEPOSITIONAL SURFACES

AND TOPOGRAPHIC INVERSIONS IN HILLY

LANDSCAPE OF PARAíBA DO SUL RIVER

MIDDLE VALLEY (SP/RJ), BRAZIL.

Peixoto, M.N.O.; Moura, J.R.S. and Carmo, I.O.


E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Cenozoic sedimentary deposits have been recognized in the Paraíba do Sul River middle valley (close to São Paulo and

Rio de Janeiro border) capping smooth convex hilltops. They were analyzed in detail in hilly compartments bordering

the highest relief of the "Serra da Bocaina" and inside the Resende sedimentary Basin, using allo- and

morphostratigraphic approaches. The deposits are composed by massive brownish/yellowish clayey sands, deeply

weathered, in nonconformity with the crystalline basement or overlying older sedimentary Cenozoic deposits. They

were interpreted as a result of sheet wash processes. A minimum Pleistocene age is ensured by the presence of a paleo-

horizon A, on their upper part, which is regionally recognized and dated about 10,000 years B.P. Important

considerations can be stood out for their interpretation: i) the relationships among geomorphologic settings (different

levels of smooth convex hilltops) and the types of soils evolved on them, and ii) their spatial distribution. We propose

an origin related to depositional paleosurfaces (pedisediments, in the upper levels) or re-featured relict "rampa"

complexes (in the lower level). River and gully incisions were responsible for paleosurfaces and "paleorampas"

dissection, generating hills in three main topographic levels, resulting on two types of topographic inversions: intra and

inter-amphitheater-like headwaters. However, neotectonic controls and/or the presence of local base levels should be

considered on the segmentation and/or the simultaneous development of surfaces at different elevations. Similar

features and deposits recorded in the reverse slope of "Serra do Mar" suggests a regional meaning of these

paleosurfaces.

*Supported by FUJB-UFRJ and CNPq





GEOLOGIC CONTROL IN THE EVOLUTION OF

EROSIVE LINEAR PROCESSES IN THE

HERCULÃNDIA AND QUINTANA

MUNICIPALITIES- SÃO PAULO - BRAZIL

Pinto, R.C.G.1 and Sígolo, J.B.2 1 Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP

2 Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo,SP

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The municipalities of Herculândia and Quintana, located in the interfluve of the Peixe and Aguapeí rivers, west of São

Paulo State, present a great gully concentration (erosive linear processes). That feature is due to the occurrence of the

lithostratigraphic units belonging to the Bauru Group (especially in the Marília and Adamantina formations),

sedimentary sequence essentially sandy with age attributed to the Cretaceous. Several authors discuss the evolution of

the erosive processes in the area IPT (1986 and 1995) Oliveira et. al (1987), Iwasa et al (1987), Ponçano and Prandini

(1987), Queiroz Neto (1988 and 1993) and Pinto (1998).

In the study area it stands out the Plateau of Marília with sharp slopes, interfluve of the basins. The soils are sandy

varying among podzolizics and latosoils.

The Marília Formation (fine sandstones the medium ones, with cement and carbonate concretions: conglomeratic

sandstones and sandstones with carbonate cement), in the study area it is in basal contact, with the Adamantina

Formation (fine to very fine sandstones; show locally with carbonate cement and nodule). The transition is made of

abrupt change of litology. The geologic contact among the formations coincides with knickpoint, among the steep

slopes, close to the top of the plateau and the hills with convex slopes and low slope angle in the inferior portion. In that

knickpoint it can happen the blooming of the freeground water.

That knickpoint can favor the appearance of erosive linear processes. About the Marília Formation (with carbonate

cement), gullies appear, that concentrate the overland flow. The flow, of water, when reaching the Adamantina

Formation essentially sandy, is associated to the piping, taking to the linear gully appearance.

When the deforestation takes place, in the area of the lithologic contact where are originated the knickpoint, it breaks

the morpho-hydro-pedologic balance and transforming that place, where that process occurs in place with high potential

hazard to a linear erosion.





BIOGEOMORPHOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION

OF THE RIBERÃO DO CHIQUERO BASIN,

GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

Quintero L. O. and Augustin C.



A representative part of the vegetation cover of Gouveia-MG has been deforested over centuries of intensive

agricultural activity. The original vegetation was the Cerrado with its variation Cerradão, the Ciliar Forest and the

Altitudinal Low Vegetation. The objective of this research is to establish the relation between the physiognomic

characteristics of the woody vegetation cover, such as total height, branch height, productivity and structure with the

geomorphologic characteristics of the basin. Ten slopes, out of 320, with the occurrence of gullies mapped using aerial-

photographs (1:25,000), were selected for sampling on the basis of their occurrence in the basin and of their erosional

forms. In each slope, geomorphological sites were identified through the occurrence of break of slope, in the middle of

which a soil profile was described and samples collected. The characteristics of the tree strata were also measured using

the square method. Through statistic analysis it has been possible to identify high values of the physiognomic

characteristics as well as productivity of those trees growing on soils derived from metabasic rocks that occur normally

in valleys, amphitheaters and hollows. The minor values correspond to those growing over granite and schist derived

soils, occurring preferentially in the upper and middle slopes. Frequency and distribution analysis of the 26 species of

trees identified showed that Eugenia dysenteric is the most abundant species and the one with the largest distribution.

The data obtained corroborated a strong correlation between underlying rock and the geomorphologic dynamics of the

slopes, analyzed on the basis of tree vegetation characteristics.

*This study was financially supported by FAPEMIG.





EMPIRIC-EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY TO

DETERMINE FRAGILITY OF HILLSLOPES. A

CASE STUDY

Rodrigues, S.C.1 and Ross, J.L.S.2 1 Universidade Federal de Uberlândia,MG, Brasil



This paper presents a methodology of evaluation of hillslopes fragility focussing the relations between soils properties

and hillslopes characteristics. The methodological proposal as based on the use of detailed characteristics of the

environment that interfere in the maintenance of the equilibrium of the relief, in natural conditions or in areas where the

human intervention has altered the superficial dynamics and had developed processes of desestability of hillslopes.

The methodological approach, use the correlation among hillslopes units, inclinations and landuse, making a map of

potential fragility. In other side, had been soils profiles and collected soil samples. These samples had been analysed in

physical characteristics (granulometric sizes, mud content, plastic and liquid limits). Others experiments as coesion

coefficients, had been in field works using Pocket Penetrometer.

As a result of the research cartographic documents had been produced. The Landuse Map had been using aerial

photographs and controlled in field works. The Hillslope Inclination Map had made using topographic maps and degree

ruler, and the Geomorphological Map had been using aerial photos, topographic maps and controlled in field works.

After maps construction, correlationships between spatial information obtained had made with the information of soils

samples and soils experiments, making a new map: The Fragility Map of Hillslopes.

This map has analysed focussing the fragility of hillslopes in function of distinct landuses. The results has demonstrated

that it is possible the application of this methodology in humid tropical areas, being indicated for studies of physical

territorial planning in detailed scales.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE

ALCANTILADOS PLATEAU AT THE

PREDOMINANCE AREAS OF SILCRETICS ROCKS

IN THE DOM AQUINO AND POXORÉO

MUNICIPALITIES - MATO GROSSO STATE,

BRAZIL

Rosa, D.B.; Gela, A. and Pinto, S.D.S.

Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, MS, Brasil

The Alcantilados Plateau situated in the center-south region of the Mato Grosso State in the interfluve between São

Lourenço and Poxoréo rivers at the Dom Aquino and Poxoréo Municipalities, presented one of the most beautiful

landscape sceneries of the state, where the ridge mountains relief presented with planed summit at the board form.

In this compartimentation we can observe the geomorphological process developed itself regionally since the Furnas

Formation (Silurian to the Lower Devonian) deposition, until the recent, with the accentuated passages in the Middle to

the Upper Devonian (Ponta Grossa Formation), Carboniferous (Aquidauana Formation), Permian (Palermo Formation),

Upper Jurassic to the Lower Cretaceous (Botucatu Formation), Middle to the Upper Cretaceous (Bauru Group) and also

across of Tertiary in continuance to the Quaternary.

These processes give origin to the abrupt escarped faces and to levels surfaces at the top of the rocks sequence, just as

occur in the Parnaíba and Progesso Mountains, which are bordered by echeloned structural crests cut by deep valleis.

The leading factor is refered to the top portions with the presence of hard crusts and siliceous pavement of flagstones

locally, constituted by the silcretic rocks in association with fibrous silica compounds, carbonated rocks with traces of

manganese and iron, refered the Cachoeira do Bom Jardim and Cambambe Formations depositions, to form a part of the

Bauru Group.

Some studies wich are being developed with relation to siliceous migration since the top until the base of predominance

of rocks sequence regionally and which constitute the Alcantilados Plateau conduct us to idealized new concept, about

the formation of these silcretics crust, and its resitance to the erosive processes, commouns in anothers areas of the

plateau.





PALAEOGEOMORPHOLOGICAL

INVESTIGATIONS OF DEPRESSED TERRITORIES

(ON THE PATERN OF KUR DEPRESSION)

Shirinov, N.S. and Tanryverdiyev, K.K.

Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, Baku

Kur depression covering a considerable part of the territory of Aazerbaijan an is a standard for atudy of buried

palaeorelief of depressed territories. The huge thickness (about 15 km) of sedimente here buried in themselves many

atoried heterogenous and heterochronoc palaeorelief. In order to reestablish it there are great numbers of data of

different kinds of wells and geophysi cal materials allowing to use successfully the methods of analysis of facies and

thickness of lower pliocenepleistocene sedoments (prepliocene revelations ns are isolated) for reestablishing the buried

ry in given interval. There is no need to speak about the obviousness of the method actualism. The logical construction

in the work of reestablishment of palaeoreliet is simply necessary, without them it is impossible to use any methods.

The palaeomorphological investigations related to Kur depression allowing to reestablish enough in detail the

pliocenepleistocene relief of basins have been carried out by us. There investigations at the same time beared an applied

significance, as the entrails of this basin are rich with the fields of oil, gas, underground fresh waters, building materials,

etc.

The guintessence of there investigations is the maps of Kur depression complied by us where it is shown the genetic

types of relief both in land and in the bottom of sea, separate forms of relief, lithology of rocks, age,boundaries of sea

basins and others. Compiled stagely, they illustrate the origin and development of separate morphstructures, beginning

of appearance and development of mudvolcanism, rupturing tectonics,etc.

These maps have also a great applied significance. So, for example,the areas and forms of relief (bed and delta of rivers,

alluvial cone, bars, spits, etc.) given there are perspective for searching there the oil, gas, underground fresh

waters,building materials,etc.





REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTROLS

OF DEBRIS FLOWS IN SOUTHWESTERN BRITISH

COLUMBIA

Slaymaker, O

University of British Columbia


The humid, forested mountain landscape of southwestern British Columbia can be characterised as a debris flow

dominated landscape; yet it was not until 1972 that attention was first drawn to the importance of debris flow in this

region. The reasons for debris flow dominance over other slope and channel processes include the continuing response

of the land to Cordilleran ice retreat, through over-steepened slopes and enhanced sediment supply, the dense rainforest

vegetation and the increasing population and land use pressures to which the mountains are subjected.

We can recognise five broad categories of regional controlling variables, namely geologic, morphometric, hydrologic,

sediment recharge and anthropogenic factors as follows:

Geologic: Debris flows generated from Quaternary volcanic complexes differ from those in coarse textured plutonic

rocks;

Morphometric: Basins from 1-5 km2 in area and with channels 25-30o in slope appear to be most active;

Hydrologic: Runoff intensities associated with orographically enhanced frontal disturbances, rapid snowmelt, release

from lake storage and log jam bursts are triggering mechanisms.

Sediment Recharge: Basins can be characterised as either weathering- or transport-limited, and factors that are

influential in this context are the availability of unconsolidated sediment and the role of organic debris and

Anthropogenic: Widespread urbanisation, intensive recreational use of the mountains and indiscriminate logging have

increased debris flow incidence locally and regionally.

Development of terrain and slope stability mapping and new provincial guidelines for forest practice have been the

main assessment and mitigation devices implemented.





QUANTIFYING THE INFLUENCE OF THE RELIEF

ON THE AMAZONIAN LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS

Soares Filho, B.S.



The study of landscape dynamics in Amazonia requires a good understanding of the processes that rule land-use

conversion, agricultural land abandon and forest recovering. To achieve such goal, one needs to develop new methods

to map as well as to analyze spatial patterns resulting from changes induced by these processes. These methods will in

turn enable the formulation of reliable models to operate at regional scale.

On these basis, this work aims at the development of methodology to obtain spatial transition models using mainly

remotely sensed data and topographic maps. This study was done using an area located in the northern part of the state

of Mato Grosso (Brazil), that stands as a typical Amazonian Frontier Colonization region. Map algebra was applied in

order to generate the selected variables needed for the change analysis, e.g. slope, altitude, vegetation, soils, urban

attraction, road buffers and distance to selected landscape elements. This process was done within a Geographical

Information system (GIS) environment combined with multivariate statistical techniques. It could be shown that the

maps resulting from the logistic regression gave a good indication of the areas most favorable for each type of

transition, consequently they could be interpreted as maps of the spatial transition probabilities.

In addition to the quantified effects of the above variables, the relief, represented by the slope and altitude variables,

showed a negative influence on the selection of sites to be deforested, and a positive effect on the abandon and

regeneration processes that take place in the cultivated and pasture fields. Besides these results, the methodology

developed represents an important step towards the discretization of landscape dynamic simulation models into sub-

areas.





QUATERNARY EROSION RATE ESTIMATES FOR

ANCIENT AUSTRALIAN CRATONIC SURFACES

Stone, J.O.1 and Vasconcelos, P.M.2 1 University of Washington, EUA

2 University of Queensland, Australia


The cratonic surfaces of Australia represent one of the most stable landscapes on Earth. Features formed close to the

land surface in early- and mid-Tertiary times, such as deepweathering profiles, silcrete and palaeochannel fills, are

widely preserved indicating extremely low average erosion rates. We are investigating whether Quaternary erosion rates

on these surfaces are compatible with their long-term preservation, or have increased to levels above the long-term

average. The latter scenario, which might reflect Quaternary climate changes, has been invoked to explain preservation

of ancient Australian landscape features. To address this question, we are combining 40Ar/39Ar dating of supergene Mn

oxides and sulfates, to determine sub-surface weathering ages, with cosmogenic isotope studies, to measure erosion

rates of the overlying duricrust surfaces over the past few million years.

Initial results covering three morphological and climatic provinces in the Mt Isa region of northern Australia show a

roughly inverse correlation between erosion rates and weathering ages. The highest erosion rates, of 2-4 m/Ma, occur in

the area of highest present-day rainfall, where deep-weathering ages are 3-6 Ma. Landscape surfaces in the more arid

regions of the study area give much older weathering ages (up to 50 Ma) and lower erosion rates, on the order of 1

m/Ma or less. Thus far, the comparison between short-term erosion rates and long-term preservation of weathering

profiles does not call for significant increases in Quaternary erosion. A more extensive data set will be presented at the

meeting.

*Supported by National Science Foundation grant EAR-9805132.





NEW STRATEGIES FOR UNDERSTANDING

LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION

Summerfield, M.A.

University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Studies of long-term landscape development have traditionally relied to a significant extent on the interpretation of

morphological features, such as erosion surfaces and river long profiles, and their correlation with deposits of known or

inferred age. The success of this approach has been limited by the paucity of datable deposits due to the preponderance

of net erosion in most landscapes. Thermochronology and cosmogenic isotope analysis, however, are two sets of

techniques capable of providing valuable estimates of long-term denudation rates in eroding landscapes by quantifying

the time elapsed as a rock sample moves from a known depth to the surface. For the majority of geomorphological

applications the most useful thermochronometer is apatite fission-track analysis. This can yield cooling histories across

a temperature window from ~125 to 60°C which can be used to infer denudational histories for crustal depths of up to

~4 km for common geothermal gradients. Recently, partial retention of He between ~75 and ~40°C has been

demonstrated in the U-Th/He system and this could potentially be used to estimate denudation at shallower depths of ~2

km.

The regional-scale variations in long-term (106-108 a) denudation rates inferred from these thermochronological

techniques can be combined with more site-specific data from cosmogenic isotope analysis which yield estimates of

denudation rates over shorter timescales of 103-106 a. The integration of these complementary techniques, and their role

in constraining landscape evolution models, is illustrated with reference to the development of the landscape of southern

African using data from 10Be, 26Al and 36Cl cosmogenic isotope analysis and apatite fission-track analysis.





PERSPECTIVES ON TROPICAL

GEOMORPHOLOGY

Thomas, M.F.

University of Stirling

Geomorphology in the tropics faces a number of contradictions. Most water-based processes proceed more rapidly in

the humid tropics (and sub-tropics), including rock decay, mass movement, sometimes sediment transport. Yet, while

mainstream geomorphology has pursued event-based studies of surface processes, geomorphology in the tropics is

accused of emphasising models of long-term landform development within 'cratonic regimes'. Calls are made to

abandon such traditional concepts and to embrace process studies of more direct relevance to sustainable development.

But one key to understanding many economic and environmental issues (mineral resources, basement aquifers, slope

failures, soil erosion), is the chemical decay of rocks and the transfer of weathering products as colluvium. The role of

this regolith cover is neglected in many texts, and the development of geomorphological theory is constrained by this

neglect, through attempts to limit the relevance of weathering to tropical cratons or temperate palaeoplains.

Weathering rates in the humid tropics allow the formation of deep saprolites within Quaternary time and demonstrate

the importance of weathering in Neogene terrain, while the antiquity of many weathered mantles has also been

demonstrated. A fresh perspective on the role of weathering as a landforming process is required; one which focuses

weathering in all environments (climatic, tectonic, lithologic). This can be linked to studies of episodic erosion on

timescales from those of the cratonic regime, through the Quaternary climate oscillations, to the impact of individual

events. The viability of geomorphology as an earth science depends on its wider relevance and the quality of its

explanations. Studies from the tropics can offer many insights of importance to higher latitude research as well as vice

versa, and new work on 'regolith studies' should off one such example.





40Ar/39Ar WEATHERING AGES FROM ANCIENT

AUSTRALIAN CRATONIC SURFACES

Vasconcelos, P.M.1 and Stone, J.O.2 1 University of Queensland, Australia

2 University of Washington, EUA


Stable cratonic regions of Australia are often characterized by stepped landscapes, where relatively flat land surfaces

occur at distinct elevations. The relative topographic position of these surfaces, the depth and complexity of their soils

and weathering profiles, and their stratigraphic relationships have been used to correlated these land surfaces on a

regional, cratonic, and even worldwide scale. 40Ar/39Ar dating of minerals precipitated in weathering profiles provides a

quantitative means of testing such postulated correlations.

40Ar/39Ar dating of more than 500 samples of supergene Mn-oxides (cryptomelane and hollandite) and sulfates (alunite

and jarosite) from 13 distinct weathering profiles hosted by surfaces at different elevations in the Mount Isa Region,

Australia, indicates that the regional scale correlation between these surfaces is possible. Weathering ages vary

according to elevation. The higher elevation weathering profiles (400-500 m) yield the greatest ages (65-70 Ma).

Weathering profiles hosted by intermediate elevation surfaces (280-320 m) yield relatively younger results (12-25 Ma),

while weathering profiles hosted by the lowest elevation surfaces (160-200 m) yield the lowest weathering ages (0.7-6

Ma). Long-term erosion rates obtained from the differences in elevations and weathering ages between the surfaces

range from 2-4 m.Ma-1.

Erosion rates for the dated Mt. Isa weathering profiles, obtained from cosmogenic isotope (10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl)

abundances, indicate that the lowest elevation surfaces (youngest weathering ages) correspond to the highest erosion

rates (2-4 m.Ma-1). The higher elevation surfaces, hosting the oldest weathering profiles, yield the lowest erosion rates

(ca 1 m.Ma-1). The variation of erosion rates with landscape position accounts for the preservation of older weathering

profiles at higher elevations. The variation in erosion rates also suggest that landscape evolution in the areas studied

occurs primarily by scarp-retreat and not by a Davisian-style surface ablation. The results also indicate that long-term

erosion rates for the Cenozoic, obtained from weathering geochronology, do not differ significantly from Quaternary

rates obtained through cosmogenic isotope measurements.





COMPARISION BETWEEN DIFFERENT

PROCEDURES TO OBTAIN CONTRIBUTION AREA

MAPS: APPLICATION TO LANDSLIDE HAZARD

MODELS

Vieira, A.C.F.1; Gomes, R.A.T.1; Guimaraes, R.F.2; Montgomery, D.R.3; Greenberg,

H.M.3 and Fernandes, N.F.1 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

2 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Universidade de Brasília, Brasil

3 University of Washington/UW, EUA

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

[email protected], [email protected]

Landslides are common processes in Rio de Janeiro, mainly during heavy summer rainfalls. These natural phenomena

normally occur due to a complex combination of natural and human-induced factors. It is evident that the topographic

hollows are characterized by landslides hazards because these areas are frequently saturated by water and filled up by

colluvial soils. A physically-based model for the topographic control on shallow landsliding, combining a hydrological

model and a slope stability model, has been applied to predict landslide hazard areas in an experimental basin. The

hydrological model is based on soil properties and on morphological attributes, manly contribution area and slope.

Contribution area maps represent important tools to define, from a DEM, the location of hollows in the field, helping in

the prediction of saturated zones, inundation areas, drainage networks and landslides. In this work we calculate, from a

2 meters grid DEM, the contribution area maps of a 2 Km2 basin using two different procedures. In the first, we

developed an algorithm and used it in an inexpensive set of hardware and software, under a PC platform. In the second

one, we used a robust software under a workstation environment. These procedures were applied to a basin in which

many shallow landslides were triggered after intense rainfall in February 1996. The two procedures have presented

different results. For example, only the second procedure was able to predict the location of hollows in the field, with

good accuracy, the values of each pixel contribution area. Besides, this procedure was able to extract the drainage

network, with high resolution, from a DEM. The results suggest that the second procedure may improve the

performance of landslide hazard models.





RELATIVE INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLING

FACTORS ON SHALLOW LANDSLIDES

TRIGGERED IN THE PAPAGAIO BASIN, RIO DE

JANEIRO

Vieira, B.C.1; Fernandes, N.F.1; Guimaraes, R.F.2; Montgomery, D.R.3; Greenberg, H.M.3 and

Gomes, R.A.T.1 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro,RJ, Brasil

2 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and University of Brasilia, Brasil

3 University of Washington, USA


Many factors control the generation of shallow landslides in the tropical steep slopes of Rio de Janeiro (e.g., soil

properties, inherited rock features, vegetation cover, hillslope morphology and subsurface hydrological conditions).

During the last few decades, these relationships became even more complex due to the spreading of human occupation

towards the hills. In order to characterize the role played by each one of these factors, it has become relevant to combine

field monitoring and mapping with mathematical models based on physical laws.

This study aims to evaluate the relative influence of some controlling factors on the extensive shallow landsliding that

took place in February 1996 along the Papagaio basin (RJ), combining field mapping with simulations using the

SHALSTAB model, developed by Dietrich and Montgomery (1998). To carry out this investigation a small sub-basin

was selected, where landslides took place on only one side of the valley. Landslide scars and vegetation cover were

mapped from aerial photographs and field work while contribution area and slope maps were obtained from a high

resolution DEM.

The results showed a good agreement between the predicted unstable areas and the location of landslide scars from

1996. The differences observed on the distribution of vegetation cover alone, degraded forest in the hillslope dipping

south and grass in the one dipping north, do not justify the instability predicted by the model for this last one, because

the simulations neglected cohesion, hence the direct effect of vegetation. The results attest the major role played by

hillslope morphology, specially slope and contribution area of each cell in the basin. In order to accomplish a better

understanding of these complex relationships, future research should include detailed field mapping of soil and rock

properties together with new simulations for other possible scenarios.





PLANATION SURFACES WEATHERING

PROFILES AND AGE OF THE TANDILIA RANGE,

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Zárate, M.1; Rabassa, J.2; Camilión, C.3 and Demoulin, D.4 1 CONICET, IANIGLA-CRICYT,Mendoza, Argentina 2 CONICET, CADIC, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

3 CONICET, IGS-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina

4 Universiteé de Liege, Belgium

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

The Sierras de Tandil is NW-SE trending mountain system, 300 km long with altitudes between 50 and 250 mts above

the surrounding pampean plain of Buenos Aires province. The range is composed of Proterozoic crystalline basement

which belongs to the Brazilian craton, unconformably overlain by Precambrian and lower Paleozoic sedimentary rocks.

The purpose of this contribution is to analyse the geomorphological evolution of the range within the frame of the

tectonic history of the South Atlantic Ocean and the sedimentary filling of neighboring basins.

Three planation surfaces are recognized along the mountain range and interpreted as long-term geomorphic features.

The oldest planation surface (pre-Cretaceous or prerift surface) is represented by the levelled summits of the highest

ranges near Tandil (altitudes above 450-500 asl). No weathering profiles are associated with this surface.

The intermediate planation surface (late Jurassic-early Cretaceous to mid-late Tertiary or postrift surface) is the most

extensive with altitudes increasing from SE to NW (200 mts to 350 mts) and dipping slightly towards the SW.

Corestones, concentric weathering rinds, granitic gruss and kaolinized crystalline rock profiles are associated with this

surface. In some areas, present soils are partly developed on weathered granitoid rocks. The characteristics and

distribution of the weathering features suggests they correspond to the root of a weathering mantle which was probably

stripped away in the early to mid Cenozoic. The youngest planation surface (initiated during the Oligocene?-early

Miocene?), displays some moderate weathering and is covered by a late Cenozoic apron (Pliocene-Pleistocene and

Holocene) of eolian deposits (mostly loess and loess-like deposits) over which present soils are mostly developed.





DISTRIBUTED MODELLING OF THE WATER

EROSION PROCESSES AT THE EVENT SCALE

AND CUMULATIVE RASTER ESTIMATES OF ITS

LONG TERM APPLICATION IN EXPERIMENTAL

BASINS

Zlate, I. and Bucharest, N.I.M.H.

Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti


The water erosion modelling in small catchments is developed on the distributed runoff model, by their coupling at the

raster scale and 10 min time intervals.

In distributed runoff modelling, the output hydrograph is estimated by integrating space and time variables of the water

balance components over the catchment area. The basic idea is that only taking into account in the computing process of

a larger number of variability factors, the estimation accuracy may be increased, due to the use of more proper

averaging scales of the involved variables. The basin digital terrain model stands for the numerical integration domain

of water depth values, whereas physically-based models of the water balance components may be easily tailored to the

local terrestrial peculiarities by means of a constant parameter set has been verified on several events. The time

dependence is given by two infiltration parameters characterising the soil moisture dynamics as short and long term

behaviours, being estimated in terms of the previous rainfalls' occurrence.

The rain erosivity at the impact with the land surface is estimated by means of a linear function of 10 min rainfall

intensities, where the scale parameter has a time evolution exponential law due to a soil moisture effect. The sediment

source is a distributed variable according to the area variability of rainfall input and interception losses, and a potential

amount for the sediment transport.

The sediment transport rate is a two-parameter parabolic function in terms of local water discharges. Under the

circumstances, the usual high non-linearity of the process at the catchment scale is reduced at similar shapes like the

runoff one, being dependent on a combined scale parameter of the above processes, to be updated at the analysed event

by means of a time constant in the exponential function and the initial state according to the soil short term behaviour.

The fixed parameters may be easily estimated from simulated successive events.

In framework of the local sediment balance, the process non-linearity may lead to bed erosion in case of a higher output

than input, and, otherwise to sediment deposition. The sediment dynamics is also available in framework of area

estimates all over the computing period at each 10 min time step either in case of washed materials from the potential

amount, or as cumulative values in the transport process.

Being highly connected to the catchment land cover and topography, reasonable predictions may be performed at the

event scale for hydrologic effects being generated by different land cover changes, as well as long term estimates due to

an acceptable accuracy the time evolution of the soil system may be described.

The numerical examples in the paper refer to simulations of successive events, predicted effects on runoff and

suspended load hydrographs at scenarios for watershed afforestation and cumulative effects on a long period to be

compared with two topographic maps at a 25 years' interval.





THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GULLY EROSION

AND LAND USE IN GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS,

BRAZIL

Augustin, C.



In Gouveia, MG, gullies are one of the most striking features of the landscape. Their occurrence is restricted to the areas

whose geological substract is formed of granit-gnaisses from crystalline basement and by schist, basic and metabasic

rocks. These are also the only areas with the presence of soils to support agricultural activities. Where quartzite from

Espinhaço Supergroup predominates, only arenosoils or very sandy lithosoils occur. Mapping of gully spatial

distribution shows a close relationship with the pattern of some type of land use and management. From the 66 mapped

gullies occurring in Tombador, Padre and Tamanduá basin, 73% are localised in hollows and amphitheatres in

association with the presence of different types of fences; 18% are present in mining areas and 9% are close to roads or

paths. There are three most frequent types of fences in Gouveia. There is an old wall constructed with stones,

remainders of slave times, with no presence of gullies associated. A second type is the common wire and wood fence

used until today. In order to minimise the costs the farmers use only two or three lines of wire constructing at the fence

side a small levee-like structure. Beside it a long depression is opened to protect the levee against runoff. It concentrates

the running water inducing gully processes to take place. A third type, also not very much used today, is a long trench

opened to divide properties and, in some cases, to protect small agricultural areas from the invasion of cattle. Most of

them were transformed into gullies through the action of surficial water concentration. The most effective mechanism of

vertical incision is the direct effect of the concentrated runoff along the valley bed while lateral expansion occurs

mainly through mass movements. Structural characteristics of the underlying rocks play an important role in defining

lines of preferential lateral retreat. Preliminary results of geochemical analysis of the soils pointed out the influence of

iron content in the occurrence of piping associated to the gully processes. Although the study confirms a close

relationship between the occurrence of gullies and the type of land use, correlative deposits of a similar type of process

dated with C14 (ð13), corresponding to the Laschamps subchron has been found in the area.

*This research was financially supported by FAPEMIG. Eixo: Gully Erosion.





GULLIES AS BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS: A

CASE STUDY IN GOUVEIA, MINAS GERAIS,

BRAZIL

Augustin, C.and Windsor, S.



Gully systems are part of the agricultural landscape of Gouveia-MG, southeast Brazil. They occur especially in

agricultural soils formed by granit-gnaisse of the crystalline embasement and from schist of the supergroup Rio

Paraúna. Gullies are responsible for significant losses of agricultural lands. They occur at different stages of evolution

in the Chiqueiro basin where, however, approximately 60% of the 320 identified and mapped gullies are already

stabilised. This stabilisation has created conditions for a more developed and diversified vegetation to grow as well as

for more animal species to establish in the interior of these erosional forms. Today they play an important role as

biodiversity corridors especially considering that Gouveia has a very degraded environment. As a result of intensive

land use and weathering processes, the soils of the area are very poor in macro and micronutrients, thus being unable to

ensure a denser and higher natural vegetation cover on the slopes. Inside the gully, younger soils, even if only lithosoils,

provide greater concentrations of those nutrients, presence of water or more humid conditions almost all over the year,

besides protection against the effects of seasonal burning. These seem to be the most important factors responsible for

the existence of the corridors. Inside the gullies it was observed the occurrence of the same vegetation species as that

occurring on the slopes, although three times denser and higher. There were also detected species from the fauna, which

are not present on the slopes, suggesting that this boundary makes the gully-systems even more important for the

preservation of fauna. The connection between gullies and the water streams of the area assures the flow transfer of this

biodiversity through the entire system.






THE EVOLUTION OF GULLY PROCESSES IN THE

TRIANGULO MINEIRO, MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

Baccaro, C.A.D.; Carijo, B.R.; Carvalho, Q.A. and Silva, E.P.

Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, MG, Brasil


The study area is located in the domain of the savannas, plateaus and residual relief sustained by rocks of the Bacia

Sedimentar do Paraná.

Research started 10 years ago and from geomorfological mappings, classification and zoning of the gullies, sample

hidrographical basins were established: The Boa Vista Brook basin, in the municipal district of Prata, and the basin of

the Douradinho brook, in the municipal district of Uberlandia.

Studies in the Douradinho Brook showed receding of the banks of the gully of up to 3.00m, between 1997 and 1998.

The erosion incursions occur of walls due to a line of pipe flows. Underground caves develop originating from the

dynamics of the ground water causing seepage erosion. Such processes are promoting interfluvial dismantling because

of receding headwaters as well drainage caption. The Boa Vista Brook presents, in the segments of the coluvial ramps

and at the base of cliffs, gullies with a depth between of 10 to 20m dating back from 20 to 50 years with a receding

headwaters of up to 4.70 m, between 1996 and 1998. In the monitoring of the gullies, an expressive dynamic was noted

in some digits conditioned by the superficial runoff and pipe flows.

An intensification of the erosive fronts by gully in the savanna shows a direct correlation to receding drainage

headwaters at several dissection levels indicating an erosive retake set off through natural processes and accelerated in

the last 100 years by the use and inadequate occupation of the soil.





MEASURING SOIL LOSS AND EXPERIMENTAL

STUDIES IN IRAI DE MINAS, MINAS GERAIS -

BRAZIL

Baccaro, C.A.D.; Pereira, K.G.O.; Soares, A.M.; Campos, C.A.A. and Silva, J.B.

Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, RJ, Brasil


Studies are being pursued in Irai de Minas by monitoring of the sheet runoff and measuring soil loss in plots in two

differentiated microbasins from the morphological and landuse points of view.

The Pantaninho brook is located at the top of the plateau in smooth relief with declivity, 3 to 8% and an, altitude of

between 1000 and 1065 m. The clay-silt-sandy soils are covered by the cultivation of soy and corn by conventional or

direct plainting. The results presented in the plots of 1 x 10 m in the year of 1998 were: precipitation (P) 1810 mm;

runoff in the portion of exposed soil was (R) of 633.7 L and soil loss (SL) of 136.86 Kg; in the portion with soy, R =

220 L and SL = 47.13 Kg.

The Divisa brook is located on the boundary of the plateau, in with strong structural ruptures, declivity of between 5

and 27%, embedded valleys, convex and rectilinear slopes between 850 and 1000 m high. The clay-silt-sandy soils are

covered by the pasture. Precipitation in 1998 was: (P) 1019.67 mm. Results in the plots were: the part with exposed soil

presented: (R) 319.3 L and, (SL) 68.91 Kg; in the grassy part the (R) was 103.95 L and (SL) 8.43 Kg.

The granularmetrical analyses of the loaded material carried away indicated a greater removal of silt particles, and a

smaller loss of clay and sand. There was evidence of significant crusting of the soil as well as vident action by rains

causing splash erosion with detachment up to 35 cm or above.





RECURRENT GULLYING IN A SMALL DRAINAGE

BASIN, OURO PRETO (MINAS GERAIS), BRAZIL

Bacellar, L.A.P.1; Coelho Netto, A.L.2 and Lacerda, W.A.2 1 Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil



The gullies ("voçorocas") are concentrated on area of arquean basement rocks (gneisses, migmatites and granites),

which are covered by tens of meters (up to 50 m) of saprolite and by some meters (up to 6 m) of elluvium (residual soil)

or colluvium.

Two main phases of gullying were identified: the first is characterized by reshaped gullies (amphitheater-like hollows),

with smoothed scarps, partially filled with alluvial-colluvial sediments (ramps) of upper quaternary age. These

sediments are connected to deposits of fluvial terrace (T1, about 6 meters above the current floodplain). The second

erosion phase is connected to the current drainage system and is characterized by gullies with well-marked scarps,

hummocky bottoms, which developed as a consequence of deleterious land practices in the last 300 years. The gullies

of the second phase frequently follow the hollows of the first one (eroding their sedimentary filling) and widen to huge

digitated forms when they reach the rock saprolites. Coalescent gullies due to the interfluve erosion are common

features.

A geomorphological and a detailed stratigraphic analysis have been conducted as well as a structural analysis in order to

explain these types of gullying and to understand how erosion begins, succeeds and stops. Preliminary data show that

the gullies are structurally controlled.

The residual soil/colluvium are more resistant to erosion than the saprolite, thus the erosion only grows when the

subsurface mechanisms are activated. Superficial washing over scarp (plunge-pool) or collapsed materials and retreat of

scarps by collapsing or slumps are other mechanisms. The choice among different erosion management options should

be based on these data.

*This work was done under the joint auspices of the FAPEMIG, UFRJ e UFOP.





GULLY EROSION AND TUNNELING EROSION ON

THE SOUTHERN "SECOND PARANÁ PLATEAU"

(BRAZIL)

Camargo, G.1 and Oliveira, M.A.T.2 1 Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Paraná, Brasil

2 Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina,SC, Brasil


The Southern 2nd Paraná Plateau presents great variety of erosive processes. Two of then are expressive at a regional

scale: gully erosion and tunneling erosion. At a regional scale, previous studies point to a weak correlation between the

morphometry of hillslopes and the gully dimensions (r coefficient ranging from 0,04 to 0,40). Otherwise, the

relationship between gullies orientation and regional joint patterns seems to be outstanding, mainly at N10-30E and

N50-70E. Gully evolution during the last 15 years, by the use of aerial photographies, suggest that different lithologies

of the Itararé sub-group should be important to gully erosion rates. Field attempts to estimate erosion rates between

1995 and 1997, by the use of plani-altimetric polygons, suggest that the most important erosion rates (38.19 and

177m3 per year) occur on gullies connected to main drainage system, that is, which evolution depends on the rates of

subsurface water flow. Hydromorphic soils are very common in this area; they develop under the influence of either

impermeable soil horizons, or shallow fresh bedrock, creating lateral subsurface flow and seepage zones on the gully

walls. Tunneling erosion develops further and may create broader erosive features, under the influence of concentrated

water flow into the tunneling network. At a regional scale, tunneling erosion define the main drainage axis on hillslopes.

These axis often presents topographic subsidence and develop a pseudo-karstic topography, with tunnels and wells.

Evidences suggest that those erosive processes are natural processes which had been acting in the region during the last

40,000 years.





EROSION PROCESSES ON THE STREAMHEAD OF

ARAGUAIA RIVER BASIN (MATO GROSSO AND

GOIAS STATE, BRAZIL)

Canil, K.1; Ridente Jr, J.L.1, Almeida Filho, G.S.1; Macedo, E.S.1; Carvalho, W.T.2 1 Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de Sao Paulo S.A - IPT, Brasil

2 Metais de Goiás - METAGO, Brasil


Gully erosion is one of the major problem of soil degradation on the streamhead of Araguaia river basin, which is about

76,000 km2.

The gullies in the Araguaia region have been developing for almost 20 years ago. They are the result of land use actions

(part of the savannah - cerrado - was replaced by grass and soya bean culture), which cause the complete alteration of

the ecosystem.

The mapping around all the drainage basin area has shown that evolution process of that gullies is dynamic, intense and

continuous. Some of them are 30-40 meters deep, and sometimes reach 1.5 kilometers length. Sediments yielded by

gullies are delivered to the stream courses causing the silting up of the Araguaia river.

Regarding this situation, it has been developed the project "Recovery of the Araguaia river streamhead Programme",

undertaken by Mato Grosso and Goiás State Governments. Based on the methodological approaches and experiences of

IPT (Institute for Technological Research) and DAEE (Water and Energy Department), it was developed a gully erosion

emergency control plan for the biggest and worse gullies in the basin.

Each one of the gullies were recognized and it was prepared a report related to the characteristics of the gully, the direct

influences in the area and summarized all drainages which contribute into the gully. The work was based on

investigation of the characteristics of dynamic processes, analysis and evaluations of the gullies and their main

damages. It was collected some samples for soil analysis. It was also prepared sketches of the gullies and the drainage

basin which have been used to make the control projects. In these sketches it was pointed out all the mesures of the

gully (dimension, extention, etc.). The stream flow in several points along the gully was measured as well.

Finally, all information were used in order to indicate the methods be applied for the control of each one of the gullies.





HYDRO-BIOPHYSICAL INDICATORS OF

EROSION IN THE WATERSHED OF PEREQUË

RIVER, "SERRA DO CUBATÃO", "SERRA DO

MAR" STATE PARK - SÃO PAULO STATE

Domingues, E.N.1; Mattos, I.F.A1 and Rossi, M.2 1 Instituto Florestal, SP, Brasil

2 Instituto Agronômico, Campinas, SP, Brasil

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], rossi@barão.iac.br

The Pereque watershed is localized between 24° 10' e 24° 30' South Lat., e 46° 18' e 42° 30' West Long., with 2,300 ha

and altitude between 16 and 859m in the steep relief. The study aims to establish relations among the morphodynamic

and geomorphology, geology, pedology, vegetation cover and slope using photointerpretation, field works and

information crossing. Two hydro-biophysical macro sectors were obtained. One consists of the upland border and the

steep relief where it has predominance of pinnacle tops with declivity above 25°, pronounced declivity rupture, abrupt

changes of convex-rectilinear slope to rectilinear slope what shows important lithological and structural influence in the

forms of relief compartment and erosion process distribution. There is strong degradation of the natural vegetation on

the migmatitic rocks, not much resistant to the erosion process, that associated with the few deep soils (Inseptsol, Lithic

entisol and rock) presents several types of forms with much concentration of landslides. The other macro sector consists

of the convex tops with less density of landslides, declivity below 25°, degraded secondary vegetation and little

degraded vegetation over soils more deep (oxisol). In the low and medium slopes with declivity less than 15°, sediment

and debris accumulation occur what characterize changes of abrupt rectilinear slope to concave slope. Therefore, the

"Serra do Cubatão" steep relief presents high erosion susceptibility, indicated by the hydro-biophysical components; the

continuous degradation of the vegetation in the area causes apprehension due to the probable speedy reactivation of the

landslides.





VALIDATION OF THE WEPP WATERSHED

MODEL FOR A SEVERE EROSION EVENT ON THE

BREAKY BOTTOM CATCHMENT, SOUTH

DOWNS, UK

Favis-Mortlock, D. and Boardman, J.

University of Oxford, UK


When the predictions of physically-based soil erosion models are validated against measured data, a recurring theme is

'the right answer for the wrong reason'. Such spurious precision can occur in both temporal and spatial senses. For

example, an acceptable estimate of long-term average erosion rate may mask unrealistic underlying distributions of

annual, monthly or event values (Favis-Mortlock, 1994).

Similarly, a reasonable estimate of sediment yield at a catchment outlet may result from a simulated field-by-field

pattern of erosion which is simply wrong (Jetten et al., 1999 in press). It would clearly be unwise to put much faith in

other predictions by models which show this kind of behaviour.

The way to guard against such problems is to validate more than one model output against measured data. The relative

abundance of time series of measured data for plot- and field-sized areas means that unrealistic temporal distributions of

modelled erosion rates are not difficult to identify. It is less easy, however, to validate the spatial patterns of erosion

which are estimated by current models, since suitable field measurements are rarer. But we must undertake such

validations at a catchment scale, if we are to improve the ability of current models to estimate the soil loss which results

from the development and growth of ephemeral gullies (Poesen et al., 1998).

This paper examines the ability of the watershed version of the WEPP model (Flanagan and Nearing, 1995) to estimate

the spatial pattern of erosion on a 189 ha agricultural catchment at Breaky Bottom, in the UK South Downs. Fields on

this catchment eroded severely in October 1987 during the most serious erosion event to have been recorded in Britain

(Boardman, 1988).

References

Boardman, J. (1988). Severe erosion on agricultural land in East Sussex, UK, October 1987. Soil Technology 1, 333-

348.

Favis-Mortlock, D.T. (1994). Use and Abuse of Soil Erosion Models in Southern England, Unpublished PhD Thesis,

University of Brighton, UK. 310 pp.

Flanagan, D.C. and Nearing, M.A. (1995). USDA Water Erosion Prediction Project: Hillslope Profile and Watershed

Model Documentation, NSERL Report No. 10, USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, West

Lafayette, Indiana, USA.

Jetten, V., de Roo, A. and Favis-Mortlock, D.T. (1999 in press). Evaluation of field-scale and catchment-scale soil

erosion models. Catena

Poesen, J., Vandaele, K. and van Wesemael, B. (1998). Gully erosion: importance and model implications. In,

Boardman, J. and Favis-Mortlock, D.T. (eds), Modelling Soil Erosion by Water, Springer-Verlag NATO-ASI Series I-

55, Berlin. pp. 285-312.





ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DUE TO GULLY

EROSION IN CÁCERES MATO GROSSO

Figueiredo, M.1 and Guerra, A.J.T.2 1 Fundaçao Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, MT, Brasil



The study area is located 12 kilometres from Cáceres, at a place called Gleba Facão. Rill and gully erosion are spread in

this area, due to land use mismanagement. To carry out this investigation, several field works were made, in order to

monitor the gully evolution, using stakes to measure the gully growth, as well as several soil samples were collected in

order to be analysed in the laboratory, so that soil properties could be determined.

The slope where the gullies were monitored showed a very high sand content, usually ranging between 50 and 78%, and

silt content usually between 10 and 30%, while the clay content is usually bellow 15%. Also most slopes where the

gullies retreated more rapidly showed a low organic matter content, ranging between 1% and 3%. Another parameter

which has been determined is the water stable aggegates, which showed very low results for the eroded area.

As a consequence of the spreading soil erosion at Gleba Facão, there has been silting of the rives, rills and gullies are

spreading in the area, as well as agriculture is suffering the effects of erosion, because the soil is losing organic matter

content, as well as decreasing its nutrients. The investigation, therefore, shows how the gullies are growing in the study

area, together with the slope characteristics and how soil properties and land use affect the whole erosion process.





APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING FOR

GULLY EROSION: A CASE STUDY

Gautam, N.C.

National Remote Sensing Agency, India


Over exploitation of available natural resources for meeting the increasing demand of ever growing population for food,

fuel and fibre has led to serious environmental degradation. Globally, an estimated 1,965 million hectare of land are

subject to some kind of degradation. Of this, 1,094 million ha land are subject to soil erosion by water and 549 million

hectares of land to soil erosion by wind. In India alone, out of 329 million hectares geographical area, an estimated 150

million hectares of land are subject to soil erosion by water and wind erosion. Furthermore, an estimated 3,975 million

hectares of land are highly dissected and have an intricate network of gullies.

In a broad geologic sense, erosion means wearing away of the earth's surface by the forces of water and wind. Soil

erosion could be either natural or accelerated. Natural erosion in the natural landscape may be either a gradual process,

with a soil cover on the land continuously or a catastrophic one. Natural erosion is important in soil development.

Accelerated soil erosion truncates the soil profiles formed in the natural landscape. In applied soil science and

agriculture, erosion is used in a restricted sense. The terms "erosion" and "soil erosion" are often used for accelerated

soil erosion, or that erosion of soil resulting from disturbances of the natural landscape, usually by man in contrast to

the natural or normal erosion that takes place in the disturbed landscape.

In the present paper efforts have been made to identify the gully erosion areas along the Chambal River using Remote

Sensing Techniques. The study also shows the extend, pattern, status of gully erosion, and their depth where

reclamation measures can be taken to arrest the soil erosion.





HILLSLOPE EROSION - STRATEGIES OF

DEFENCE

Hiller, D.A.

University of Essen, Denmark


In the region of the left side of the Lower-Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia there is a push moraine. The hillside facing

the former moraine is more steeply formed while the terrain on the other side shows a flat westward hillside. The fertile

soils are agriculturally used. After heavy rain falls run-off causes large losses of soil on the east slope side. In the

autumn of 1998 ditches and also gullies (up to 1.8 m depth, 1.5 m with and several 10th of metres long) occurred. The

eroded soil material is deposited in the fields on the bottom of the ridge, on residential areas which border the ridge and

cause a lot of damages on the traffic network, the sewage and on buildings. Field and laboratory investigations showed

that these intolerable soil erosions are caused by long stretched hillslopes (up to 600 m) without dividing transverse

structures, from puddled soil surfaces and from the intensive growing of crops which cover the soil late in the

vegetation period. In order to protect the fields and the residential areas permanently from the impacts of the soil

erosion a work group is active to devise a basic plan. The intention is to introduce plant production measures against

erosion, as well as a decreasing and preventing tillage by changing the crop production. These measures can be

combined with hillslope division elements. A further important constituent of this concept is to develop a method how

to deal with major soil erosions. This method, will be published in a manual, guiding people concerned with similar soil

erosion problems on other places in Germany.





WATER EROSION ASSESSMENT BY

GEOPROCESSING THE UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS

EQUATION (USLE) IN THE HYDROGRAPHIC

BASIN OF JURUMIRIM RIVER - ANGRA DOS

REIS, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Kronemberger. D.M.P. and Carvalho, C.N.

Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brasil


The objective was to make a water erosion vulnerability map to the scale 1:25,000, by geoprocessing USLE, in order to

identify erosion threatened areas and help the future planning of land use and environmental management of the

drainage basin. The watershed is located on the rural zone of Angra dos Reis, RJ (22°50'19"/22°55'52" S and

44°13'53"/44°19'41" W). It's in the domain of Serra do Mar, presenting rough topography, with gradients ranging from

sea level to 1246m, in an area of 68km2. The lithology is constituted of Precambrian granites and gneisss and

Quaternary fluviomarine deposits. Cambisols (17% of the area) occupy the greatest altitudes and slopes, Acrisols (31%)

are in the base hillslopes and in basal hills and the fluvisols (16%) ocuppy the plain. The mean annual rainfall is

2,100mm, with more than 200mm monthly values. The drainage length totalizes 139km. The Tropical Rain Forest

covers 61% of the area, mainly in the highest and steepest hills. Other land cover and economic activities are banana

plantations, cattle ranches, sand and stone quarries. When applying USLE in a GIS, the product of soil erodibility and

topography maps with the rainfall erosivity factor, allowed assess the Natural Erosion Potential, which can be very high

in 22% of the basin. The most threatened sites are the ones that have litholic soils, mountainous relief, slope lenght

above 100m, slope steepness greater than 50%, and altitudes greater than 400m. After introducing the land use/land

cover map, 51% of the area yields less than 1 t.ha-1.yr-1. Comparing the Actual Erosion map and Tolerable Losses

allowed identification of critical sites where the actual erosion is larger than the tolerable limit (36% of the area). With

the help of ancilary data available from the local authorities it was possible to recommend a more sustainable

management plan for the watershed.





JOINT-CONTROLLED GULLYING IN THE

PIRACEMA-BANANAL BASIN (SÃO PAULO-RIO

DE JANEIRO): THE ROLE OF LOCAL AND

REGIONAL GROUNDWATER FLOWS IN

CONTROLLING EROSION RATES

Leão, O.M.R.; Cambra, M.F.E. and Coelho Netto, A.L.



Gullying has been studied in the Piracema basin, a tributary of Bananal river which drains toward the middle course of

Paraíba do Sul river (boundary of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states). Most gullies developed along the topographic

hollow axis of structurally-controlled amphitheater-like landforms, in connection with the expansion of the regional

channel network (83%, for N=117), among which 52% are stabilized and 31% are active; the other 17% of observed

cases developed in separately, along minor topographic hollows of the headwater zones. Gully extension is controlled

by topographic aspects: gradient and hollow density within the amphitheater or above channel heads.

A typical case has been measured at Bela Vista amphitheater since 1982 showing an average retreat rate on the order of

1,300 m3/year. This gully progressed through the axis of a major topographic hollow, growing finger-tips toward the

upper, minor hollow axis. The main trunk and its minor tips developed parallel to the underlying sub-vertical joints.

Average monthly erosion rates tend to increase linearly with average monthly rainfall. One of the gully-tip is retreating

faster and faster as it gets closer to the watershed divides.

Gully formation and network growth follow the "headward spring sapping" model stated by Dunne (1980,1990). Local,

temporary subsurface flows exfiltrate at the base of thick, loose and highly permeable Late Quaternary fills; recharge is

favored by vegetation-fauna-soil interactions near the surface: grass-roots and the network of pipes constructed by

"Saúva" ants provide higher hydraulic conductivity within the dense-root zone of about 30 cm thick (1.26 x 10-

4 cm/sec); at 30 cm and 60 cm it decreases to around 3.52 x 10-5 and 4.45 x 10-5 cm/sec, respectively. Once seepage

erosion removes the sediment fill, retreat rates tend to accelerate due to the interference of the regional aquifer; as

shown by a piezometer network. Gullying is progressing toward to the watershed divides and may cross it, reproducing

the previous joint-controlled routes of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition.





DIFFERENTIAL RILL EROSION OF MUD ROCKS

IN A TECTONIC ACTIVE AREA

Lin, J.C.

National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Rill erosion is studied in south-east and south western Taiwan respectively. Two types of mudrock sites were selected

as they are made up of different types of mudrocks reflecting different sedimentary depositions and tectonic activities.

The sites were instrumented to collect data that will be used to address selected issues related to slope retreat under a

highly complex geomorphic environment, for the purposes of soil and water conservation. The methodology consists of

a detailed field survey, continuous recording of site meteorological parameters, semi-automatic monitoring of the

process and response parameters relevant to slope retreat, collection of photographic evidence, and laboratory analysis

on the slope forming materials. The preliminary results obtained suggest that there is significant difference in rill

development between the two sites. It is suggested that this is primarily due to the composition of the mudrock, the

environmental conditions under which weathering occurs and the different processes of erosion. The development of

gullies and rills in south-western Taiwan occur randomly and are dendritic in pattern. The Lichi area of south-eastern

Taiwan demonstrates regular pattern of gully and rill development due in part to the degree of tectonic compression.





SOIL COVER AND SOIL EROSION IN

AÇAILANDIA-MARANHÃO STATE (EASTERN

AMAZONIA -BRAZIL)

Marçal, M.S.1; Botelho, R.G.M.2; Garcia, S.F.1 and Guerra, A.J.T.1 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

2 Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil


This paper regards the relationship between soil cover and the occurrence of erosional features, aiming to contribute

towards the understanding of the environmental characterization of the area. During the last thirty years there has been

an intense land degradation due to the forest clearing.

The methodology encompassed field work, where the linear erosional features were mapped and the soils were also

identified. Soil samples were collected to be analysed in the laboratory. Photointerpretation was carried out using

satellite images and aerial photographs, together with topographie maps (1:100,000 scale).

The study area is in the dissected landforms of the low Amazonian Plateaux Domain. The main rock types are:

argillaceous sandstone(Itapecuru Formation) and white and pinkish red sandstone (Barreiras Formation).The climate

presents a tropical regime with two distinct seasons: dry and wet seasons.

The classified soils are: Latosols (Red-Yellow and Yellow), Red-Yellow Podzolics, intergrades between those two

types, Cambisols, Aluvium Soils and Hydromorphic Soils.

Regarding the occurrence of the mapped erosional features, they are found in all types of soils, except those situated on

the floodplain and terraces. However, these features always occur in mediun textured soils, tending to sandy soils.

Those soils with clayey and very clayey texture do not present linear erosional features. However, those soils are not

dominant in the area. The total sandy content ranges between 40% and 87% being 64% the average. They regard the

medium textured soils.

The fine sandy dominates the coarse fraction, which represents a higher erosional risk. Soil samples collected inside the

gullies show a higher coarse fraction, which leads us to believe that the fines were transported to the gully outlet by the

concentrated water flow, outlining the land degradation in the area.





GULLY MONITORING IN AÇAILANDIA -

MARANHÃO STATE (BRAZIL)

Marçal, M.S. and Guerra, A.J.T.



Acailandia was founded in the late 60s, beside Belem-Brasilia Highway.

The city shows a high erosion risk, due to its sandy-loam soils, concentrated rainfall, irregular topography, deforestation

and desorganized urbanization.

Due to those factors, several gullies have developed in the urban area. Therefore, a methodology was created to monitor

the gully growth. Three gullies were selected and stakes were placed in the soil, approximately 10 metres from the gully

border. The number of stakes depended on the size of the gully, being placed seventeen stakes in the largest gully, eight

in a smaller one and seven in the smallest gully.

The monitoring period was between October-94 and August-95, that is, for eighteen months. The gully monitoring

consisted of taking three measurements of the distance between each stake and the gully border. The use of a compass

helps the measurements to be more accurate. Therefore, those measurements were taken in four epochs: October-

94;January-95;May-95 and August-95.

A data-basis was created in order to plot diagrams for each gully. Through the diagrams it is possible to evaluate the

speed and direction of the incision of each gully.

The created methodology for this research proved to be very useful to monitor gully growth because besides being very

accurate, it is a relatively cheap way of investigating gully evolution.

Amongst the three gullies monitored, the one situated in the most urbanized area showed the quickest evolution, where

some roads and houses were affected by the erosion process.





REGRESSIVE ALCOVES AND GULLY HEAD

EXPANSION ON ALTERNATELY NON-COHESIVE

TO COHESIVE MATERIALS

Oliveira, M.A.T.

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil


Erosive features named "regressive alcoves" had been studied on na experimental field site, in which soil materials are

predominantly non-cohesive. Frequently associated by the literature to seepage erosion, those erosive features proved to

be mostly controlled by specific mechanisms associated to hortonian overland flow. During the experiment, solid

particles transported by overland flow and by subsurface flow were collected separated, after natural rain events. After

each event, the total transported load was weighed and erosion rates estimated. The morphologic evolution of the

erosive feature was followed in the field by the application of topographic techniques, adapted to the studied problem.

Most of the gully head expansion was associated to the retreat of the "regressive alcoves". Although subsurface flow

became of some importance during specific events, most of the erosion measured at the erosive features was associated

to overland flow. Regressive alcoves are very common erosive features on tropical areas, and elsewhere. As one of the

first observations needed to gully erosion control surveys is the precise identification of the points in which specific

agents are important to gully erosion, the commonly accepted view regarding those erosive features, according to which

regressive alcoves evolve as a consequence of seepage erosion, may lead, at least, to an expensive and unnecessary

control design.





ORIGIN AND DYNAMICS OF EROSION

PROCESSES IN THE URBAN AND PERIURBAN

AREA OF MARINGÁ- PARANÁ

Otsuschi, C. 1; Cunha, J.E. 2; Silveira, H. 3; Duarte, G.M.1 and Calegari, M.R.1 1 Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil


3 Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The municipality of Maringá, situated in the north of Paraná, in spite of its clay soils, shows serious processes of

erosion, generated by concentrated water drainage. The origin and evolution of some forms of erosion resulting from

this situation are related to the use of the soil in urban and rural areas.

With the aim of determining the origin and the dynamics of the erosion in catchment areas, field surveys were carried

out with measurements, along with description of the soil and collection of samples for sediment analysis.

The data obtained indicate that occupation of watersheds have been conditioned the concentration of pluvial drainage

directed towards the headwaters, mainly in the urban area. Unsuitable urban drainage conditions have culminated in the

formation of extensive gullies within the preservation areas of the original forest land (Interior Tropical Forest) in the

city of Maringá. Both these areas and urban equipments are being seriously threatened by the progressive increase in the

evolution of those gullies.





DISCONNECTED AND DISCONTINUOUS GULLY

EROSION DEVELOPMENT ON VALLEY HEADS:

THE "COLÔNIA QUERO-QUERO " STUDY CASE

Paisani, J.C.1 and Oliveira, M.A.T.2 1 Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, SC, Brasil 2 Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil


Discontinuous gullies are erosive features formed by independent incisions which may coalesce through time.

Disconnected gullies are erosive features, identified frequently into valley heads, which incisions envolve disconected

from the main drainage outlet. This work presents results of field experiments designed to investigate the main

processes related to the development of a disconnected system of discontinuous gullies. The investigation followed

three main axis:

A) development of water flow from the source area;

B) measurenent of water flow into the gully incision;

C) evolution of the gully system.

The flow from the source area was studied through tensiometric measurements, which enabled the study of saturated

zones during a hidrologic year. Water flow into the gully incision was estimated by the use of na artesian retangular

spillway with thin walls. The evolution of the gully incision was followed by the use of topographic measurements

through time and by estimating global erosion rates. The main inputs, related to natural precipitation, was analysed by

pluviometric and pluviographic data. Due to a strong "El Niño" event during the monitoring year, erosion rates are

stronger then previous rates estimated to the area. "Potholes" created at the interface between disconnected incisions,

presented the highest erosion rates. Although the experiment design failed to furnish a precise account of all

mechanisms effective to the development of the erosive system, we hypothesize that the conjoint action of several

individual mechanisms promotes the integration of discontinuous gullies into a disconnected gully.





GULLY EROSION FOLLOWING INEFFICIENT

EROSION CONTROL MEASURES

Paz González, A.1; Cacheiro Pose, M.1; Dafonte Dafonte, J.2 and Vieira, S. R.3 1 Universidad de A Coruna, Espana

2 Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Espana

3 Instituto Agronômico, Campinas-SP, Brasil.


Extremely severe gully erosion on arable, terraced red-yelow podsol at Pindorama (Sao Paulo State, Brazil) during a

summer rainy period is described and analyzed. Research on soil erosion was begun in Sao Paulo State in the 1940s and

as a result local knowledge exists for the construction of efficient terrace systems. In spite of the development of

scientific expertise and promulgation of legislative norms, soil erosion control is still a great agricultural problem in this

region.

The studied field is situated at 48° 55´ W and 21° 23´S. The erosion prevention system, built before soybean cultivation,

consisted of terrace-like steps alligned parallel to the contour lines, made by mechanical digging and accumulating the

excavated materials to form 90-110 cm high banks with 90-110. The field was inconveniently divided, because terraces

were 100 to 150 m apart, while common guidelines recommended no more than 20 to 25 m distance to optimize erosion

control.

During the first intense austral summer storms, prior to crop emergence, a surface seal crust developed and rills were

incised into the soil. Sediment was first trapped at the terrace bank convexity, but after 120 mm cumulative rainfall,

since seedbed preparation, terrace overflow was observed. Later on terrace banks were incised, so that a continuous

network, consisting of both, epehmeral and deep gullies was developed. Deep gullying was documented after390 mm

rainfall. A 15.3 ha slope representative of the upper hillslope environment was selected. Soil loss rate after 674 mm

rainfall, i. e. 2 months since seedbed preparation, was as high as 49,6 tm/ha. Sediment production by gully erosion

represented more than 95% of the total soil losses due to concentrated erosion.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL

CONTROLS ON GULLY AND RILL EROSION:

PATY DO ALFERES MUNICIPALITY, SERRA DO

MAR (RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL)

Peixoto, M.N.O.1;Salgado, C.M.1;Santos, D.A.1; Macedo, J.R.2; Silva, T.M.1; Moura, J.R.S.1 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

2 CNPS/EMBRAPA - Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Solos/ Empresa Brasileira de Agropecuária, Brasil


Paty do Alferes (RJ), localized in the reverse of "Serra do Mar", shows the intense erosional processes that are

characteristic of the hilly compartments developed on weathered bedrock along Southeastern Brazilian Plateau. The

erosional features are related to sheetwash and gullies/rills connected or disconnected to the drainage network,

sometimes discontinuous. Agricultural activities and cattle breeding contribute to this situation, by using unsuitable

techniques. Aiming to analyse the controls of channeled erosion processes, geomorphological and pedological studies

were carried out in representative areas of the three different geomorphic domains recognized. Following the

environmental evaluation procedure proposed by Moura et al. (1997), maps of topographic compartments, erosional

processes and filling up or emptying conditions of valley bottoms were obtained for zero, first and second order

drainage basins, using cartographic basis and aerial photographs at a scale of 1:20.000. These maps were combined with

the soil map developed by CNPS/EMBRAPA at the same scale, and based on them were selected sites for sampling to

characterize physical properties of surficial materials (0-15cm and 15-30 cm depth).

The results demonstrated that connected gullies occur on drainage basins with hollows and valley bottoms filled up by

alluvial-colluvial deposits or on partially emptied ones, ratifying the regional mechanism of drainage lines re-incision

presented by Moura et al. (1991; 1993) for Paraíba do Sul River middle valley. These re-incision on paleogully

channels are largely controlled, in Paty do Alferes Municipality, by local base levels of the bedrock. The disconnected

gullies or rills, on the other hand, are mainly related to very dissected slopes in step-like compartments, where gradient

and litho-structural controls (joints/dikes) play a major role. In hilly compartments, however, this type of erosion is

associated to pedological properties like high microporosity, high bulk density values and/or significant silt content on

the topsoil. The observed relationships are important for the forecast of erosional channelled processes and for

identification of critical areas/basins to agricultural and urban uses. *Supported by PADCT-FINEP, FUJB/UFRJ and

CNPq





PREDICTION OF EPHEMERAL GULLY EROSION

IN MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENTS

Poesen, J.1, Nachtergaele, J.1, Vandekerckhove, L.1; Oostwoud Wijdenes, D.1 and Roxo, M.2 1 K.U.Leuven, Belgium

2 Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Soil erosion by water is considered to be one of the most important land degradation processes in Mediterranean

Europe. Over the past decades most studies dealing with water erosion in this environment have mainly focussed on

interrill (sheet) and rill erosion. However, recently collected data in the framework of the MEDALUS project

(Mediterranean Desertification and land Use) point to gully erosion as a very important sediment source: 50 to 80 % of

total sediment produced in upland areas originates in ephemeral gullies. Given that gullies are effective links between

upland areas and channels, gully erosion aggravates flooding problems and the silting up of reservoirs. Consequently,

more attention should be given to the prediction of sediment production by ephemeral gullying under a range of

environmental conditions. In order to predict soil losses by ephemeral gully erosion, the model EGEM (Ephemeral

Gully Erosion Model) has been tested. EGEM has two major components, of which the hydrology component is a

physical process model based on the runoff curve number. The erosion component uses the hydrology outputs to solve a

combination of empirical relationships and physical process equations in order to compute the final width and depth of

the ephemeral gully. An EGEM-input dataset for 86 ephemeral gullies was collected in cultivated lands in Southeast

Spain and in both cultivated and abandoned lands in Southeast Portugal. A first analysis indicates that EGEM tends to

underpredict soil losses by ephemeral gully erosion, probably because of the stony nature of most soils in the study area.

However, an important input parameter for this model is total ephemeral gully length which is seldom available. Hence,

threshold relationships between local slope gradient and drainage area for the beginning and ending of ephemeral gully

trajectories have been established in a variety of Mediterranean environments in order to predict total ephemeral gully

length. Despite the various physiographic conditions, landuses and storm characteristics in the studied areas, the results

indicate a potential of the topographic threshold concept to predict the location of ephemeral gullies.





RECENT GULLY GROWTH AND THE RATE LAW

Prosser, I.

CSIRO Land and Water, Australia


Graf (1977)1 proposed that after initiation, gullies approach a new equilibrium extent at an exponentially decreasing rate

over time. Dendrochronological evidence was provided as field support for the rate law from 70 - 150 y old gullies in

Colorado, and laboratory experiments on channel network growth have produced qualitatively similar results. The rate

law is an intuitive and appealing concept that is included in many descriptions of geomorphic adjustment to change,

however the age of many gullies precludes investigation of the processes responsible for gully growth and the physical

meaning of the rate law.

Gully formation over the last 10 y in SE Australia has presented an opportunity to investigate the rate law in more

detail. An exponential growth model fits the data well, with a half-life of only 0.7 - 3.5 y. Gullies have extended by only

10s of cm over the last 3 y of monitoring, and gully widening now dominates over headward growth. Closer

examination and monitoring of erosion processes reveals a change in process dominance from overland flow during

gully initiation to seepage erosion in the latter stages of network growth. It is proposed that the relative efficacy of these

processes produces the rapid exponential decline in network growth observed. In some situations, initial rapid growth of

gullies is a result of multiple points of scour which later merge by headcut retreat, rather than migration of a single

headcut up through a valley. 1 Graf, W. L. (1977) The rate law and fluvial geomorphology, Am. J. Sci. 277:178-191.





THE MAJOR TYPES OF GULLIES IN SÃO PAULO

STATE, BRASIL

Ridente Jr., J.L.; Canil, K. and Almeida Filho, G.S.

Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo S.A (IPT), Brasil


In São Paulo State it can be distinguished two important types of gullies (linear erosion), related to the evolution of

dynamic processes:

a) in the west of São Paulo State (Planalto Ocidental), gullies just develop and spread out only in the rain

season. This is due to the characteristics of the soils (sandy, too much permeable, and not so deep). After the

remotion of the first horizons of the soil the underground water is easily reached and the erosion process is

accentuated. During the drought season, water volume is low and the level of subsurface water goes down as

well, so the piping action is inhibited and sediment yield is diminished. The evolution of erosion processes is

seasonal and accelerated by human changes in the environment. The shape of the gullies are generally

extended, branched out, like long stream courses.

b) in the central part of the state (Depressão Periférica) soil profiles are generally very deep, inducing the

development of large and deepy gullies. The subsurface water volume remains in the bed of the gully during

whole year. The evolution process is continuous and slow. The gullies on head streams seem like

amphitheatres.

Another import process which occurs in the eastern part of São Paulo state is related to landslides (Planalto Atlântico).

These erosion processes are different from those in the west and central part of the state. They can be observed in high

slopes, without vegetation cover or placed by slums or sometimes urban areas. Landslides generally occur during heavy

rainfalls or after several days of continuous rain.

It is important to know the mechanisms of development of these processes in order to take the right measures to erosion

prevention and control.





MONITORING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF

DEEP GULLIES OF URBAN ZONES FROM

ARAGUAÍNA CITY, TOCANTINS STATE,

CENTRAL BRAZIL

Santos, C.A.1 and Ferreira Júnior, P.D.2 1 Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil

2 Fundaçao Universidade do Tocantins, TO, Brasil


An erosional process from the urban area of Araguaína has caused social and environmental problems to the whole

community. In turn, a high financial cost to the government and to the population in general was provided by these

problems. Thus, in order to find out the behavior of these erosional processes and raise the corrective and the preventive

proceedings, we have done a careful study, which consists in the monitoring of three areas where deep gullies been

developing. Five others deep gullies were also observed, however, they do not present physical conditions to be

monitored by the methodology adopted (pin, stake and profile method). Although such methodologies are most

frequently used in the studies of fluvial marginal channels, we have done some adjustments in them to apply in our

study. One of the deep gullies under study (Voçoroca Alfredo Nasser) has grows faster with the slope from point 01

retreat. In the deep gullies (Ravina Filadélfia), we have observed the same characteristic, however, the to move back is

much more modest. The other deep gully (Voçoroca Murici) shows a different behavior. It remains stable since two

year ago because the deviation of the pluvial waters flux. The corrective and preventive procedure that we have

achieved from the collected data is the implementations of superficial drainage systems close the edges and inside of

each erosion. Another alternative is the building of dam in the down direction in the erosion. In conclusion, we have

noted that the better manner to prevent, control and correct the erosional process is planning the urbanization. With this

procedure we can avoid the main agent, which is the influx of superficial water promoted by the pavimentation of the

streets and the lack of superficial drainage systems.





CARACTERIZATION OF EROSION PROCESSES

AT CACHOEIRA DO CAMPO, OURO PRETO,

BRAZIL

Sobreira , F.G. and Bacellar, L.A.B.

Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil

E-mail: sobreira@ degeo.ufop.br, bacellar@ degeo.ufop.br

This work deals with growing erosion - deep gullies - located at Cachoeira do Campo District, Ouro Preto, State of

Minas Gerais. Archean aged gnaisses and migmatites with granodiorític to tonalític-throndjemitic composition occur at

that region. Thick soil cover (15-20 m) becomes rare outcrops. The whole region is affected by erosive features which

were reported in a map which represents their present evolution stage and spatial distribution. The erosion forms could

be assembled in groups according to their morphology, similar processes and characteristics. Despite the general

degradation of regional landscape it could be seen that only 14 out of 109 gullies reported are actually in activity, with

groundwater displaying an important role, through piping phenomena. Superficial erosion processes affect the slopes

and the front of several gullies but in a small influence range in most of them. The active gullies are located near Catete

hills (south of the area) or bordering urban areas and suffer their influence. In the first case, as a hydrological reload

zone, a major groundwater influence is expected on the environment but the lack of facilities and the unsuitable land

use around the urban areas give rise to the reactivation of the erosion processes. Some of these forms represent typical

situations and were subject to a more accurate study. The comparative study of 1949 and 1986 is aerial photographic

sets permitted to evaluate the erosion growth and evolution rate. Retreats with more than a hundred meters were

reported. This work was supported by FAPEMIG and developed at Departamento de Geologia, Escola de Minas,

UFOP.





EPHEMERAL GULLY EROSION IN THE ORDENES

BASIN OF A CORUÒA (SPAIN)

Valcárcel Armesto, M.1, Cacheiro Pose, M.2, Taboada Castro, M. T.2, Paz González, A.2 and

Dafonte Dafonte, J.1 1 Universidad de Santiago de compostela, Espana

2 Universidad de A Coruna, Espana

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Ephemeral gully erosion is a common type of water erosion in the loamy and silty loam soils developed over basin

schists in the Ordenes Complex of A Coruna province (NW Spain).

The critical period for gully formation is any time when the soil surface remains bare and short intense rainfall events

occurs.

Three case studies of severe gully erosion on small cachtments and hillslopes ( 0.84 to 5.72 ha size) are presented. The

first occurred in later spring, the second was caused by a strong summer thunderstorm and the third was promoted by

early winter rainfall.

The objective of this study was to describe different types of ephemeral gullies and to determine their origin. Gullies

formed within the field where runoff starts, gullies collecting the runoff from an upstream area and discontinuity gullies

due to abrupt slope changes were identified.

The main cause of gully formation is the lack of any proper waterway for conveying water excess.





GRAVEL BEDS AND STONE-LINES ASSOCIATED

WITH CENOZOIC SEDIMENTARY PROCESSES IN

THE SOUTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN PLATEAU

Carmo, I.O.; Mello, C.L.; Peixoto, M.N.O. and Moura, J.R.S.



Stratigraphic studies of Cenozoic (Tertiary-Pleistocene) sedimentary successions in the depressed areas of the Paraíba

do Sul River middle valley (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states) and Doce River middle valley (Minas Gerais state)

shed light on the occurrence of gravel beds and stone-lines related to sedimentary processes. Morphostratigraphic and

allostratigraphic approaches were used for their recognition and subdivision. The gravel beds and stone-lines are

commonly associated with smooth convex interfluves (paleo "rampa" complexes and/or re-featured fluvial terraces) that

have undergone to topographic inversion. Most sedimentary successions are separated by gravel beds, which define

erosive unconformities that subdivide the sucessions into allostratigrahic units composed of deeply weathered colluvial

and alluvial deposits. Pedological studies show incomplete soil profiles truncated by the erosive unconformities. The

gravel beds could be subdivided into three groups: a) clast-supported gravels (rounded to sub-rounded quartzose clasts,

some lithics, moderately sorted, crudely stratified) related to ephemeral stream processes; b) matrix-supported gravels

(sub-angular to sub-rounded quartzose clasts, sandy mud matrix, crudely stratified) related to gravity processes (debris

flows); c) stone-lines (angular to sub-rounded quartzose clasts) interpreted as a rework of clast-supported gravel beds or

possibly as lag deposits related to sheet flows that washed fines from previous debris flows deposits. The relationship

between clast-supported gravel beds and stone-lines is evidenced by erosional features on the upper part of the gravel

beds, where is observed a reshaping of the bed (concave-up to convex) and/or a lateral thinning (20-30cm to 5-10cm),

that generates a stone-line. In cases where the allo-units directly overlie crystalline basement, the sedimentary origin of

the gravel beds and stone-lines is supported by the clast roundness and the presence of lithic clasts, and by morphologic

and stratigraphic relationships. Nevertheless, the high degree of weathering of the overlying deposits makes it very

difficult to distinguish sedimentary features, which has led many authors to interpret them as autochthonous deposits.





EARLY ANTECEDENT TERM CONCEPTS OF

PEDOGENIC STONE LINES

Johnson, D.L.

University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, EUA


The term 'stone-line' was defined in 1938 by C.F.S. Sharpe for a line of stones at the base of soils in the Appalachian

piedmont of the southeastern U.S.A. However, antecedent synonyms, such as 'pebble band' and 'pebbly concentrate',

existed long before 1938 in the midcontinental area of North America. Late in the 19th Century in Iowa and Illinois, for

example, the 'pebble band' was observed to mark the top of the reddish B horizon of the Sangamon and other buried

soils, the "ferretto zone" as well drained members were then called. But what early workers and later ones had actually

described as the "ferretto" and its "pebbly concentrate" was only part of the Sangamon soil -- its stone enriched and

oxidized uppermost B horizon. They failed, understandably, to recognize the Sangamon A and E horizons, which had

been blurred and altered during and after burial via mixing (bioturbation), overprinting, and other pedodiagenic

processes. They also failed to recognize that the stone-line is the lower part of a biomantle and a normal product of soil

formation, mainly bioturbation. But such term-concepts as 'bioturbation' and 'biomantle' were not then available to these

early workers, both having been introduced much later, respectively in 1952 and 1975. Consequently, owing to the

unavailability of term-concepts to describe key pedogenic processes at the end of the last century, a simplistic and

incorrect explanation was advanced that soils with stone-lines had been truncated by erosion before burial, and that

stone-lines were thus geogenic, not pedogenic, in origin. This simple geogenic explanation was continued by mid-

twentieth century soil scientists and geologists, for example Kellogg and Ruhe, a misconception, unfortunately, now

firmly embedded in the concept of 'lithologic discontinuities'.

This early misconception is understandable for two principal and interrelated reasons: First, geological principles, not

pedological ones, were employed in early soil investigations, a fact which links to the second reason; that many modern

concepts and terms of pedogenesis and pedodiagenesis, such as overprinting ('welding'), pedoturbation (bioturbation,

etc.), pedotranslocations, plus others which describe complex but real pedogenic processes are recent conceptual

constructs that were not available to early researchers. The lesson here is that lack of terms which describe fundamental

processes and which convey essential concepts in a science can retard that science. Truth then plays catch-up following

later formulations of such constructs. But science, fortunately, is a self-correcting enterprise, and 'truth catch-up'

invariably occurs.





STONE-LINES AND OXIC HORIZONS:

BIOGENETIC ORGANISATIONS - SOIL FAUNA

Miklós, A.A.W.

Universidade de São Paulo, SP,Brasil


A pedologic cover on the Occidental Plateau in Botucatu, Sã o Paulo State, was studied using a structural analysis

approach. In upper landscape positions yellowish red to dark reddish brown (5YR hue) and sand-loamy to loam-sandy

oxisols occur that exhibit a microaggregated structure. In lower landscape positions, soils (Nitisols) have higher clay

levels, with redder colors (2.5 YR hues) and microaggregated structure at depth (oxic horizon) and a polyhedral one in

subsurface (argillic horizon). The character of the soil toposequence largely reflects the underlying lithosequence: in

higher landscape positions soil materials are sandy and are related to the underlying Cretaceous sandstones of the Bauru

Group; in downvalley directions the sequence cuts Jurassic basalt of the Serra Geral Formation. The transition between

sandstone and basalt is frequently marked by the presence of conglomerates rich in quartzite pebbles. The most

important organizations in the pedological cover is presented in lateral distribution (scheme): the oxic horizon group

with microaggregated structure; the sombric horizon; the stone-line and the charcoal fragments. Special attention was

paid to transitions between the different pedological organisations.

Soils with oxic horizons that display microaggregate structures are distributed generally from upvalley to downvalley

across the whole of the pedological cover. Microaggregated structure consists of oval packed microaggregates, with

diameters that range from 50 - 500 microns. The usual explanation is that microaggregation is owed to physico-

chemical processes, that is in stable union with certain forms of iron in connection with kaolinite. Evidence observed on

the Botucatu Plateau, however, suggests a biological origin, mainly ant and termite activity.

The stone-line appears as a subsurface pebbly layer in the pedological cover. It has a wide distribution, not only in the

research area but generally throughout the tropics. Though the composition of its component clasts is varied,

weathering-resistant quartzite pebbles are rather common. Quartzite clasts prove stone-line allochthony where the

subjacent substrate is basalt. On the matter of stone-line genesis, many authors favor the explanation that stone-lines are

of sedimentary (erosional/depositional) origin, which would explain their wide spatial distribution. Considering

pedological cover in Botucatu, however, that explanation cannot apply because the stone-line is present across the

lithodependent lateral differentiation. The basalt related filiation grade of the stone-line overlaying materials increases

from upstream to downstream. Considering the autochthony rising of the stone-line overlaying materials from upstream

to downstream, the vertical translocation of soil material by ants and termites is the only mechanism that can explain

stone-line genesis in this case.

The sombric horizon is a superficial paleo-horizon buried by soil materials vertically translocated by the soil fauna,

mainly ants and termites. A quantitative estimate of the amount material translocated by soil fauna is presented.

Abundant charcoal fragments are also present in the soil, and radiocarbon measurements on these allow us to estimate

the rate of the bioturbation processes. On this basis, the amount of soil that has been biogenically translocated is

estimated to be between 10.000 and 13.000 ton/ha. Charcoal that was subject to bioturbation and translocation has been

dated at 4400 radiocarbon years BP. Rates of soil translocation in this soil range from 0.2 to 0.3 mm/year, or 2 to 3

cm/100 years, or 20-30 cm/1000 years. This suggests that stone-lines can form in the tropics by bioturbation rather

quickly, and without invoking major climate or other environmental change.





ORIGIN OF A STONE LINE LATERITIC PROFILE

IN CENTRAL BRAZIL

Porto, C.G.



Open pit mining and exploration drilling in a gold deposit in Central Brazil, about 400 km NW of Brasilia, has provided

exposure of regolith materials for detailed observation and sampling. The area is dominated by a seasonally humid

climate with annual precipitation of 1500 mm and "Cerrado" vegetation. The region has experienced a history of

lateritic weathering and resulted in a landscape with plateau surfaces where lateritic profiles are generally preserved and

gently undulating surfaces which may present stone line horizons down to two metres below the surface. Lateritization

is thought to have developed during the aggradation phases of the Velhas geomorphological cycle in Lower Plesitocene

(Braun, 1970). Incision of these surfaces has led to the degradation of the lateritic crust and formation of stone lines

(Lecomte, 1988).

The weathering profile over the deposit shows a stone line horizon which is rich in quartz fragments and contains

remnants of lateritic materials. Mass balance calculations, based on the geochemical immobility of Ti and Zr show

absolute accumulation of Au, Fe and Si, indicating that quartz, lateritic materials and Au were added to the profile. Gold

distribution in saprolite, stone line horizon and the top soil are very similar, showing that Au accumulation took place

essentially downwards by chemical and mechanical processes (Porto & Hale, 1995). Lateritic materials have been

mechanically worn but show geochemical signatures of the mineralized zone, indicating that they have accumulated in

the stone line mechanically over the deposit area. Quartz fragments probably accumulated in a similar fashion but

fragments directly derived from vein strutures in the saprolite are also present.

The stone line is of a local origin and has formed by progressive downwards accumulation of materials into the residual

soil and were only locally displaced laterally during the lowering of the land surface.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Geomorphology Applied to Environmental Planning and Management

1. INDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PALMITAL AND PLATINA IN SÃO PAULO AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

2. GEOMORPHOLOGIC FEATURES AND TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES

3. EROSION MAP OF SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL 4. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE URBANIZATION PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL

DEGRADATION IN A SMALL WATERSHED: THE STUDY CASE OF CAMBUÍ-PUTINS, SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

5. RESTORING OF FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPE IN LAGOON BORDER 6. MANAGEMENT OF ERODING ACCESS TRACKS AND FIREBREAKS IN NATIONAL

PARKS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL AREAS OF THE GERICINÓ-

MENDANHA MASSIF AND SURROUNDINGS 8. ERODIBILITY OF THE HIDROGRAPHIC BASINS OF THE PEDRA BRANCA MASSIF -

COUNTY OF RIO DE JANEIRO - RJ 9. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL DOM-AINS OF THE RIO DE JANEIRO STATE, BRAZIL 10. FLOOD RISK STUDY AT THE MAIPO RIVER VALLEY IN PUENTE ALTO COUNTY,

METROPOLITAN REGION, CHILE 11. THE INFLUENCE OF RELIEF IN HUMAN OCCUPANCY PROCESSES IN BELO

HORIZONTE CITY, MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL 12. A SYNTHESIS OF THE GEOLOGIC/GEOMORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION AND HUMAN

MODIFICATIONS AT THE BERTIOGA, NORTH COAST OF SAO PAULO 13. SOIL AS A GEOMORPHOLOGICAL UNIT IN THE SPATIAL ANALYSIS APPLIED TO

URBAN PLANNING 14. QUATERNARY EVOLUTION OF HEADWATERS IN DEFINITION OF POTENTIAL

AREAS OF GULLY AND RILL EROSION BY GEOPROCESSING: BARRA MANSA COUNTY, RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL

15. PHISICS AND NATURAL CONDITIONANTS OF MARUMBI SPECIAL AREA OF TOURIST INTERESTING - AEITM (SEA RANGE OF MOUNTAIN) - PARANA STATE) SUBSIDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND USE PLANNING

16. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCENARIO OF THE UPPER WATERSHED OF THE MUTUCA CREEK (MINAS GERAIS)

17. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LAND USE PATTERN CHANGE

18. WATER SOURCE EXPLOITATION LEGAL ASPECTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

19. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO URBAN PLANNING: A CASE STUDY FROM GOUVEIA-MG, BRAZIL

20. LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS AND SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE INFLUENCE AREA OF SEPETIBA'S PORT

21. THE STUDY OF EROSIONAL PROCESSES BASED ON A WIDE-RANGING VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS - THE CASE OF THE SOUTHEASTSIDE OF MANAUS CITY, AMAZONAS STATE

22. DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND POTENTIAL USE OF PUBLIC VISIT TRACKS IN THE CURUCUTU NUCLEUS OF THE STATE PARK OF SERRA DO MAR - BRAZILIAN SOUTHEAST

23. ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS AS SUPPORT FOR URBAN PLANNING 24. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE GEOMORPHOLOGY IN THE ELABORATION OF

MASTERS PLANS IN THE PROTECT AREAS OF THE SAO PAULO'S COAST - BRAZILIAN SOUTH-EAST

25. TOURIST POTENTIAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE AS INDICATORS OF MAINTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST ZONE WEST OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF RIO DE JANEIRO

26. ON ANTHROPOGEOMORPHOLOGY 27. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPS APPLIED TO

ENVIRONMENTAL ZONING 28. GEOMORPHOLOGICS MAPS IN ENVIRONMENT ZONING PROJET 29. CONTRIBUTION OF GEOMORPHOLOGIC- PEDOLOGIC ATTRIBUTES ON

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING IN REGION OF GUARATIBA 30. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CARTOGRAPHY AS A BASE FOR NATURAL DISASTER

PREVENTION: THE CASE OF THE EXTREME SOUTH OF SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL


All rights reserved




INDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE MUNICIPALITIES

OF PALMITAL AND PLATINA IN SÃO PAULO AND

ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Arruda, E.M. and Mendes, I.A

Universidade Estadual Paulista, SP, Brasil


The decentralization of industry to the interior of the State of São Paulo - Brazil is being realized without the support of

environmental planning which should assess the land capability to that economic activity. Although environmental

concern, few municipalities have cartographic documentation about their environmental issues which make difficult the

elaboration of Master Plans and Water Basin Committees actions. The research in course aims to analyze comparatively

different degrees of environmental impacts due to industrialization in Palmital and Platina municipalities, situated in the

Paranapanema River water basin. Deforestation, natural animal life extinction, agricultural and cattle raising impacts,

use of toxicant product and its soil contamination and solid waste disposal are environmental problems already detected,

those are aggravated by industrial activity. The industrial activities are located mainly in the urban centers and their

sewage disposal is made in the surroundings water streams. Thus, the basins related to these streams were identified to

proceed analysis and study the two urban sites. The elaboration of environmental diagnosis and prognosis by thematic

maps, bibliographic and cartographic documentation analysis, field surveys, industrial spatial organization studies, in

preferred water basins, provide useful technical and scientific material to support Municipalities in their Environmental

Management duty.





GEOMORPHOLOGIC FEATURES AND TOURISM

ATTRACTIONS IN CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES

Bordest, S.M.

Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, MT, Brasil

In South America, in the capital of Mato Grosso there is the Geodesic Mark of the South American Continent. This

place is characterised by a big depression surrounded by plateaus. It has, in the transition between the plateau, Planalto

dos Guimaraes, and the depression, Depressao Cuiabana, an area characterised by an expressive regional attraction,

which has the possibility for the sustainable tourism. The approach of this communication is some relations among

geomorphologic features (conserved plateau, dissected plateau, landings and columns relieves, landing in ravine crest

and depression) and natural resources (climate, hydro, landscape, flora and fauna) which incorporated into the cultural

patrimony (dancing, folklore, festivals, costumes and traditions) make dawn leisure and tourism areas in Chapada dos

Guimarães, specifically in and around Parque Nacional de Chapada dos Guimarães. The work also discusses the

necessity of determining a regional environment policy, with a mechanism capable of making the civil and

environmental laws being factually fulfilled. A policy that recognises the natural risky areas and the potentiality for the

usage, which also can define the tourism area in the context of eco-development and thus, respecting the local culture

guaranteeing the life quality for the society.





EROSION MAP OF SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Canil, K.; Ridente Jr., J.L. and Almeida Filho, G.S.


Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de Sao Paulo S.A (IPT), Brasil

This paper presents the results of ten years of research activities related to rural and urban erosion in Sao Paulo State,

located in the southeast of Brazil.

São Paulo has an area of approximately 250.000 km2. Its tropical climate shows anual average rainfalls of 1.700mm. In

Summer season, heavy rainfalls are responsible for the occurrence and development of gullies.

The Erosion Map of São Paulo State in 1:1.000.000 scale is the synthesis of the recent knowledge about erosion in the

region. About 6.300 gully erosions were surveyed by aerial photos. They are specially located in the western part of the

State, due to the characteristics of geology, relief and soil. Deforestation was the main factor responsible for the

increase of the landscape alterations. During this study, the urban areas of all cities were also visited in order to

recognize the gullies (causes of development and the damages to the environment). There are about 730 gullies mapped

in urban areas.

Based on these information, the analyses have shown that 45% of the State territory are considered of high risk to

erosion processes. This map is an instrument of erosion prevention, bacause it shows the main cities and drenaige basins

with serious erosion problems. It can be used to start specific studies of erosion control, recuperation and conservation

of soil and water resources.





THE RELATION BETWEEN THE URBANIZATION

PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL

DEGRADATION IN A SMALL WATERSHED: THE

STUDY CASE OF CAMBUÍ-PUTINS, SÃO JOSÉ DOS

CAMPOS, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Castro, R.R.OF.; Costa, S.M.F. and Morelli, AF.

Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), Brasil

Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D), SP, Brasil

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected].

This paper consists in analyzing the relationship between the urbanization and the degradation of the small watershed

Cambuå-Putins, located at the city of São José dos Campos, state of São Paulo, during the period of 1977 to 1997.The

study area presents some modifications due to an accelerated process of urbanization. The process of degradation is

determined by the non organized urban expansion in the area of its spring, by the incompatibility of the uses related to

the physical and environmental characteristics and by the throwing of domestic and industrial effluents(sewage) into the

drainage without any treatment. It has the objective of evaluating the urban evolution and the environment degradation

in the area of the small watershed. The methodological approach in the aspect of the small watershed used technical

concepts of Landscape Ecology and the application of the techniques of Remote Sensing and Geoprocessing in the

determination of Environmental Units, which compose the small watershed. Four environmental units were delimited

according to the similarities of the physical - environmental conditions, the patterns of urbanization, the soil use and

natural vegetation cover. The process of urbanization, degradation and alternative proposals of management specific to

each unit were analyzed for each environment unit. The visual interpretation of the PAN/HRV spot images and the

aerial photography produce a land use and vegetation map. Integrating the environmental units, land use map and the

degradation map, the synthetic map was produced, which shows the urbanization process dynamic, relating the

degradation intensity in each unit. An environmental zoning was proposed using those data.The Remote Sensing data

and geoprocessing techniques showed to be very useful to the environmental analysis of this watershed.





RESTORING OF FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPE IN

LAGOON BORDER

Cavalcanti,G1; Valente,R2; Pimenta,M2; Issa, B.2; Balesdent,F.2; Carreiro,B.2 and Fonseca,M. 1 PUC-Rio/Proama, Brasil

2 Proama, Brasil


This project's aim is to contribute to the field of geomorphology applied to planning and environmental management, by

restoring the functional landscape in the lagoon border of the coastal plain of Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.

The project's proposition is to guarantee the functionality of the restinga environment, associated to the mangrove in the

lake border area, concerning interactive dynamics, aiming at the sustainability of its ecosystems in the actual situation

of pressure due to urban occupational expansion.

The understanding of this particular context, based on geo-morphological guidelines, interacting with other dynamic

processes in issue, has provided conditions for the development of techniques and management procedures set on

perspectives that are dynamic and suitable to an urban environment located in a coastal plain.

The outstanding aspect of the project is the restoring of this environmental structure comprised of restinga vegetation

associated to the recovery of the area's geo-morphological body of sand, named lagoon barrier. With the recovery of the

sand barrier, its original paleo-form was restored, which made it possible to produce the pedological basis necessary to

the implantation of restinga species, by way of ecological management of the soil, associated with pioneer re-

vegetation, both spontaneous and induced.

This work takes as its study object the phyto-geo-morphological analysis that builds parameters for conduct on phyto-

pedological structuring. This study consists of an activity set into a major purpose, which is the identification of the

existing interaction between the coastal plain of Jacarepaguá and the surrounding massif which form its amphitheatre,

providing elements for suitable planning of the use of soil in this particular area.





MANAGEMENT OF ERODING ACCESS TRACKS

AND FIREBREAKS IN NATIONAL PARKS

Conacher, A.1 and Gager, P.2 1 University of Western Australia

2 NGIS, Perth, Western Australia


Construction of access tracks in National Parks and other reserves in the south-west of Western Australia is an essential

feature of Park management, as is the clearing of firebreaks. Yet they are also responsible for disrupting the vegetation

in this region which is extremely rich in its unique flora and fauna (notably insects).

Construction of tracks and firebreaks appears to have been carried out with little or no appreciation of soil and slope

characteristics and potential erodibility, or the effect of slope and stream sedimentation on terrestrial and aquatic flora

and fauna. Firebreaks are constructed at right angles across the contour on steep slopes; side drains on tracks are not

maintained and eventually surface runoff along the track either breaks through them or the drains become clogged with

sediment. In both cases rilling develops on the tracks, sometimes to gully dimensions; sediment is deposited on the

naturally vegetated slope, resulting in diminished species diversity; and pools in adjacent streams may be filled with

sediment, destroying breeding sites.

The paper reports on the findings of a study carried out in a Western Australian National Park. Tracks and firebreaks

were surveyed and the extent of erosion and sedimentation measured. Track erosion severity was related to the extent

and nature of the area contributing runoff (both on- and off-track), considering slope, soil and vegetation characteristics.

The use of the Park by visitors (using an on-site questionnaire survey) as well as current management methods were

also assessed in order to evaluate the need for the access tracks.

An understanding of the erosion mechanisms and the pedo-geomorphic properties of the Park makes it possible to

recommend several management measures. These fall into two groups: those relating to track closure or realignment (to

avoid the most erosion-susceptible sites); and those relating to actual track design and maintenance.





ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE

AGRICULTURAL AREAS OF THE GERICINÓ-

MENDANHA MASSIF AND SURROUNDINGS

Costa, R. G. S.; Antunes, F. S. and Moura, J. R. S.


The studied area, located in the West Side of Rio de Janeiro City, is represented by two main geomorphological

features: the Mendanha Massif constituted predominately by Tertiary alkaline rocks igneous, and the Fluvial plain,

represented by Quaternary sand-loamy sediments of fluvial origin. The soil classes found in the Massif are Latossoil

and Red-yellow Podzolic, and in the Fluvial Plain are Planossolo and Alluvial Soils. The climate is classified as the sub-

humid dry megathermic. The Massif of Mendanha is an Ambiental Protected APA inserted, in the Atlantic forest

Complex of the Rio de Janeiro county.

The two geomorphological domains were analyzed using the "Unit-soil" definition, representing the integration of the

different environmental variables, in order to evaluate the impacts of the urbanization process in the degradation and

reduction of the agricultural area. The Geographical Information System was used to improve this study. The maps of

the Pedologic the Rio de Janeiro City / EMBRAPA, 1980" and the Planimetrical Base Maps of Rio de Janeiro City /

IPLAN, 1997, in the scale of 1:50.000. were treated in the IDRISI System wide as version 2.0, SAGA/UFRJ and

AutoCAD R14.

A reduction of 25,68% in the agricultural activity in the area was verified in the period between 1974 and 1998. Soils

with high agricultural potential correspond 41,4% of the total area (30Km2), therefore just 11 Km2 of the area is used for

this propose. This is related to the expansion of the agricultural activity from the plain to the slope area, pushed by the

accelerated urban growth, the soil lost, and the lock of investiment and incentive for agriculture.

The problems of agricultural management and inadequate use of the soil aggravated, now, with the modifications in the

occupation process, generating environmental transformations that are reflected rising the risk degree, both in the

domain of the slopes, and in the fluvial plain.





ERODIBILITY OF THE HIDROGRAPHIC BASINS

OF THE PEDRA BRANCA MASSIF - COUNTY OF

RIO DE JANEIRO - RJ

Costa, V.C.; Cunha, I.; Otaviano, C.a and Costa, N.M.C.

Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil


The tropical mountainous regions, as in the coastal massifs of Rio de Janeiro city, has been suffering, in last decades,

intense mass movements and erosive process promoted by summer rains, generating serious social-environmental

consequences. The Pedra Branca massif, the most important geomorphological form in the county, presents its hillsides

with strong erosive potential, identified by present investigation, through morphological and morphometric analysis of

its hydrographic basin associated to the dominant study of its litho-structural picture.

From the analysed micro-basin (71 in total), the ones located in the east and south watersheds (30 sub-basins) situated

toward the lowland of Jacarepaguá, are distinguished as the ones with greater potential, from which the river Grande

and Camorim basins are more important, with their valley structurally controlled, by means of faults systems with

predominant directions N50-60E and N50-60W. The occurrence of intense erosion processes during the rains of

february/1996 ratify such statement.

On the other hand, the north watershed of the massif looking toward hinterland lowland, presents draining deficiencies,

resultant from identified low draining density values and low hydrographic density, and the west watershed presents its

hydrographic basin with morphological and morphometric appearance similar to the first one, but with lower structural

control.

The integrated analysis from such informations as compared with the dominant soil use and occupation characteristics

will allow the identification of the most critical areas, as concerned to vulnerability to slides inside each basin,

reinforcing the actions of the ambiental control organizations (ex. of GEORIO Foundation), as a preventive work

against natural disasters.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL DOM-AINS OF THE RIO

DE JANEIRO STATE, BRAZIL

Dantas, M. E.; Ferreira, C.E.O.; Silva, F.L.M.; Ferreira, P.P.O.; Nascimento, A.G. and Silva,

C.V.P.

CPRM, Geological Survey of Brazil

The Rio de Janeiro State presents a large set of relief compartments that reflects several types of landscapes and

different forms of human intervention. The recognition and mapping of each relief compartment and the analysis of the

acting erosion and depositional processes is important to evaluate environmental impacts and to bases purposes of

territorial planning and management.

The Rio de Janeiro State could be presented synthetically on two morphostructural domains: the Atlantic Orogenic Belt

and the Cenozoic Sedimentary Basins, and several morphosculptural domains, subordinated.

The first one composes metamorphic and igneous rocks of Neoproterozoic age affected by a extensional tectonic

between the Jurassic and early Tertiary age, caused by the South Atlantic opening. This tectonic generates a sequence of

normal faults that produced the coastal ranges and the high escarpments of the Serra do Mar and Mantiqueira.

The uplift of blocks resulting from this tectonic event sustained residual uplands such as the Bocaina and Varre-Sai

Plateaus. Structural valleys were also produced, such as the Middle Paraíba do Sul Valley, that, sometimes, presents

aligned ridges produced by lithological and structural controls. Next to the coastal plains occur low hilly terrains that

were dissected until the Late Cenozoic in adjustment to the general base level.

The second one composes sedimentary rocks of Early Cenozoic age and sediments of Quaternary age. The sedimentary

rocks were stored in continental basins of Eocene-Oligocene age, such as the Resende and Volta Redonda basins or next

to the Ocean on the Northern State represented by the "Barreiras Formation". These terrains form a characteristic

tablelands morphology. The sediments of the fluvial-marine lowlands and the coastal plains were generated by

transgressive-regressive cycles during the Quaternary, that promoted the general drowning of the coastal relief

characterized by bays, lagoons, beach ridges and isolated hills that marks the lowlands morphology.





FLOOD RISK STUDY AT THE MAIPO RIVER

VALLEY IN PUENTE ALTO COUNTY,

METROPOLITAN REGION, CHILE

Ferrando, F.J.

Universidad de Chile

According with the determinations of the Metropolitan Plan of Urban Regulations (PRMS), scale 1:250.000, all the

river bed of Maipo River that cross the Maipo County was classified how a sector with flood high risk.

But, because the scale, the PRMS means generalizations related to risk level terrain classifications. So local authorities,

considering internal differences into the river bed and inmediate fluvial terraces along it, ask for a investigation to

determine the exact situation of this terrains.

A 1:2000 scale research was iniciated to satify the information requeriments for the establishment of the potential and

restrictions soil use ordinance.

Using topographic maps, aerial fotographs and doing terrain surveys, joint with last decades statistical information of

run off and the dimentions of the river bed (width and deep), the level of flood risk situation of the differents aluvial

landforms was established, determining the restriction degrees to urban soil use or others meaning permanent

settlement, and recomending some measures and alternatives.





THE INFLUENCE OF RELIEF IN HUMAN

OCCUPANCY PROCESSES IN BELO HORIZONTE

CITY, MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL

Ferreira, C.C.D. and Rodrigues, R.S.



In the year of 1897, the village of Curral D'El Rey became the new capital of the Minas Gerais State, and received the

name of Belo Horizonte. This new city was planned and projected considering the existing landforms, which

determined the way in which population occupied the space on the district. At the very begining, it only occupied low

hills with flat tops. Latter on, due to urban growth, the relief determined this occupancy process. On the Southern and

Eastern parts of the district, exists a predominance of high summits with ravined slopes and entrenched valleys, which

belong to the so called "Quadrilatero Ferrífero". These characteristics limited the urban expansion. There is a different

landscape on the Northern and Western parts of the city characterized by a range of low, top-flatted hills, and hills with

entrenched valleys, belonging to the "Depressão Periférica do São Francisco", which favoured human occupancy.

Nowadays, it is important to consider geologyc-geomorphological research to elaborate environmental planning studies

taking into account human occupancy over a certain space, to avoid social problems, as well as problems related to

environmental impact.





A SYNTHESIS OF THE

GEOLOGIC/GEOMORPHOLOGIC EVOLUTION

AND HUMAN MODIFICATIONS AT THE

BERTIOGA, NORTH COAST OF SAO PAULO

Fierz, M.S.M.

Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP,Brasil


The present paper has with principal objective show the geologic/geomorphologic evolution of the coastal plain of the

Bertioga, coast of the State of São Paulo and estimate the transformations in its environment, as a result of the growing

human occupation in its plain coast.

Bertioga remained little impacted until approximately two decades behind. After the construction of the new roads to

the north coast it started the process of devastation and pollution of its beaches, showing a modification of the

environment, consequence of crescent occupation that has been occurring along of these roads and at the coast region

itself.

With the use of the aerial photographs and existing maps it has been possible to make geomorphology and geology

mapping, as well as evolution of the landscape use and occupation of four periods: 1962, 1977, 1986 and 1994. The

information generated by the laboratory researches, in place visits and principal impacts verified , were registered in the

synthesis map, entitled: "Integrated Synthesis Map".

On the geologic/geomorphologic maps are shown information of the litology and characteristics of the coastal relief.

In the synthesis map are shown information about the natural characteristics face to the human modifications. With the

information available in the maps it is possible to make descriptions of the process in the Bertioga's coastal region and

the results on the coastal relief.

To make the maps it was used Geographical Information's Systems such as: AutoCAD, ARCVIEW, ARCINFO and

IDRISI.





SOIL AS A GEOMORPHOLOGICAL UNIT IN THE

SPATIAL ANALYSIS APPLIED TO URBAN

PLANNING

Gama, S.V.G.1 ;Moura, J.R.S.1 and Antunes, F.S.2

Universidade Federal do Riode Janeiro, RJ, Brasil 2 Pontifícia Universidade Católica, RJ, Brasil

This research is based upon the soil study as an integrate environmental analysis regarded as the destination and use of

Santa Cruz Governament suportted Region in order to grant the first environmental diagnosis at the western side of Rio

de Janeiro.

The Soil Map of Rio de Janeiro Municipality (EMBRAPA, 1980) and The Planimetric Basis of Rio de Janeiro City

(PLANRIO, 1977) were rasterized and directive vector added thus available only in analougue patterns at the scale of

1:50.000.

The Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to allow the spatial relationship among thematic geo-referenced

areas, and Idrisi 2.0 for Windows was used for this implementation.

The environmental degradation and unbalance in such area is basically due to incompatible soil use.

In order to verify and define this soil usage a different soil map of urban occupation areas was developed as well as an

industrial and agriculture chart with various soil differences with the need to have a better regulated and managed

territory.





QUATERNARY EVOLUTION OF HEADWATERS IN

DEFINITION OF POTENTIAL AREAS OF GULLY

AND RILL EROSION BY GEOPROCESSING:

BARRA MANSA COUNTY, RIO DE JANEIRO -

BRAZIL

Iervolino, P.1; Peixoto, M.N.O.1; Silva, T.M.1; Barroso, A.P.1; Moura, J.R.S.1 and Xavier da

Silva, J.1,2 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

2 Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil


This work presents the application of an environmental evaluation methodology based on headwaters dynamic

evolution in hilly domains of Southeastern Brazilian Plateau (Moura et al.,1997) for definition of potential erosion areas

and degradation conditions of tributary drainage basins of Paraiba do Sul River in Barra Mansa County (RJ), using

geoprocessing techniques. Connected and disconnected gullies and rills were mapped on aerial photographs at a scale of

1:40,000, being distinguished as active or stabilized features, and also filling up or emptying valley bottoms in zero,

first and second order drainage basins. They were crossed with topographic compartments, hipsometry, microbasins

gradient, land use/vegetation cover and geology maps, all of them at a scale of 1:50,000, following the environmental

analysis procedures proposed by SAGA-UFRJ. The environmental signatures obtained showed that connected gullies

occur on drainage basins with hollows and valley bottoms filled up by alluvial-colluvial deposits (47.29% of active and

48,24% of stabilized gullies) or on partially emptied ones (45.5% of active and 39.87% of stabilized ones), mainly in

second order basins (39.19% of active and 49.75% of stabilized features), ratifying an hierarquization control for

drainage lines re-incision by gullies (Peixoto,1993). Disconnected gullies/rills occur largely on emptied microbasins

(80.74% of active and 84.67% of stabilized), being also common on filled up valley bottoms, being related to high

gradients of side slopes and head slopes, high erodibility of surficial materials and/or landl use. Cataclastic rocks and

roads or urban buildings play an important role on generation of either connected or disconnected erosions. Based on

these results and on gullies/rills dynamics knowledge, potential maps for connected and disconnected channeled

erosions were developed, leading to recognition of main critical areas and/or drainage basins tributaries of Paraiba do

Sul River concerning linear erosion, rivers silting and flooding. The results obtained testify the effectiveness of the

methodologies integration proposed for definition of priority zones and strategic/caution actions in environmental

planning and management.

*Supported by PADCT-FINEP, FUJB/UFRJ and CNPq





PHISICS AND NATURAL CONDITIONANTS OF

MARUMBI SPECIAL AREA OF TOURIST

INTERESTING - AEITM (SEA RANGE OF

MOUNTAIN) - PARANA STATE) SUBSIDY OF

ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND USE

PLANNING

Jacobs, G.A.

Instituto Ambiental do Paraná and Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR, Brasil.


The Marumbi Special Area of Tourist Interesting -AEITM, with 66.732 ha contain big part of Sea Range of Mountain

in Parana State. With one relief compound of mound arounded, of convex hogback, generally elongate, in direction of

diabasio dikes, reflecting the more resistance of lithologics components the erosion. The granite compact that, in occur

of differentiation erosion, appear in geomorphology in relation the metamorphics rocks that the surround. The planning

of area is more difficult for restrictions of physical ambience, economics disinterest and legislation restricted. The

adopted methodology consist in application of one process of discrimination followed of one process of grouping of

elements for determination of useful and homogenenent. In the AEITM, however the action of man is knowledge and

almost always discordance with o environment, that again one extent reasonable of natural landscape of beauty great.

The vegetation characteristics: content, texture and different colors, the our relation with the geomorphologycs

formations of region, the dimension of trees associated the riches and exuberance of epiphytes, the typical aspects of

mountain, the divers landscapes to contrasts with regional pattern, the distant vision of coastland, constitute one great

landscape recourse. On this direction and knowledge the difficult in definition a level of field the geography location of

limits of zones distinct, search to return the planning flexible, this form that environment variations the level micro, may

be utilized the form the turned the more possible rational.





THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCENARIO OF THE

UPPER WATERSHED OF THE MUTUCA CREEK

(MINAS GERAIS)

Kohler, H.C.; Souza, M.B. and Andrade, A.M.B.

Pontifícia Universidade Católica, MG, Brasil


The environmental scenario of the watershed with its biofic and abiotic elements in the upper section of the Mutuca

creek, southeastern of the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, MG, was mapped in a geoecological approach. The data

were obtained from topographic charts, aerial photographs, TM Landsat image and field work. The GIS was used to the

integration of the synthetic map. The high speed of the urban growth was observed on the steepness slopes resulting soil

erosion processes and poor water quality of the Mutuca creek. There are mitigation actions to prevent impacts on the

hydrologic pattern.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS OF LAND USE PATTERN CHANGE

Lóczy, D.

Janus Pannonius University


Most European landscapes have been transformed by millenia of human occupation. Agricultural landscapes include a

series of man-made features established to reduce erosion (terraces, hedgerows, grassed waterways etc.). In hill regions

of unconsolidated deposits and intensive farming the pattern of land use (the sizes and positions of fields, their

boudaries) are of major significance both for soil and nature conservation.

The paper reports on investigations in Germany and Hungary, two countries where land use is in transformation. In

Germany the unfavourable consequences of the formation of too large fields for mechanised farming are being

eliminated and the renaturalisation of the drainage network has also begun. In Hungary the re-privatisation of the land

of collective farms also provides an opportunity for the planning of an environmentally more acceptable rural land use

pattern in the place of large-scale fields. During the implementation of the privatisation process, however, no landscape

ecological considerations were observed and an extreme compartmentalisation of the landscape followed. Because of

their shape (elongated stripes, often aligned downslope) and size (in many areas below 1 hectare), the cultivation of new

plots does not harmonise with the historical pattern of the landscape as well as it is economically unprofitable. From

certain viewpoints (eg. the application of chemicals), it may cause more damage than large-scale farming.

During the transition period in the test areas large tracts of land are left uncultivated and the unsettled land ownership

discourages farmers from investing in the formation of an environmentally friendly pattern (plot sizes adjusted to

topography and drainage, restoration of terraces and hedgerows etc.). Even the soil amelioration facilities (drain-pipes,

irrigation canals, terraced slopes etc.) implemented by the former cooperative farms are falling to neglect or damaged.

Forests stands have also been privatised and forest clearing increases the hazard of erosion in hills.

The increased erosion hazard and other environmental impacts underline author's conviction that in addition to

proprietal, economic, political, employment and other considerations, the success of design of land ownership pattern

changes can also be evaluated on landscape ecological grounds.





WATER SOURCE EXPLOITATION LEGAL

ASPECTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

Manyari, W.V. and Cabral, R.

Universidade de Brasilia, DF, Brasil


The work accomplished had the intenetion of examining the actions related to the use of springs for population supply,

inserted in the Brazilian environment legislation. It is a case study in one of the satelite cities of the Brasilia Federal

district, where the urban growth has demanded a great efforta from the institution responsable for supplying water in

finding alternatives, considering the the region has small courses of water to face the growing demand. The Federal

District, located in tablelands is, as matter of fact, a spring region, in despite of a considrable dry seasonduring the

winter. In a scenario pointed out as emergency, The "Fumal" was constructed to supply the city of planaltina inside na

protected ecological area, with a very restricted use, wher the tributaries os The Amazion and Platina basins join

together. The analisis concentrates in the conflicts derived between the need of the environmental protection in spring

areas and a gap in the legislation realted to the use of water resources. It also raises up a problem reffering to the federal

legislation inconsistencies that can not be applied at a local scale, which takes to dismiss the law.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO URBAN

PLANNING: A CASE STUDY FROM GOUVEIA-MG,

BRAZIL

Mezzano, A.; Augustin, C. and Galvão, T.C.



The objective of the study was the elaboration of a susceptibility map for urban planning purposes in Gouveia, a small

town with about 10.000 inhabitants, localised in Minas Gerais State. The proximity of the farms to the city has not

prevented the migration of people from the country. It has intensified with the increase of erosion and the decrease of

productivity of the agricultural area. Inadequate land management and loss of vegetation cover are associated with the

development of intensive erosion, especially gullies. Although having relatively good hydrological conditions, the city

presents already indication of water supply shortage for human use purposes. Migration is taking place without the

adoption of sound urban land-use planning policies. The surroundings of the city were analysed with the use of aerial-

photographs (1:25.000) and sampling areas were selected on the basis of their possible priority for urban expansion. The

collected data, contemplating geomorphologic, pedological and geotechnical aspects of the area, was analysed with the

aim of determining the best sites from biophysical points of view for urban expansion. The analysis took also into

account the intrinsic soil characteristics of the area and its suitability for urban use. By analysing thematic maps, field

and laboratory data, such as water conditions, geotechnical behaviour of soil and its geomorpho-pedologic

characteristics, it was possible to establish a consistent picture of the biophysical constraint of the area for urban use.

The result was the generation of a final map, with the zonation of the surroundings of Gouveia in four areas, each of

them with its own capability or limitation to urban land use.






LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS AND SOCIAL AND

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE INFLUENCE

AREA OF SEPETIBA'S PORT

Moura, J. R.S.; Antunes, F.S.; Gama, S.V.G.; Costa, R.G.S.; Ramalho, R.S.; Barbosa, D.R.;

Santos, H.M.; Sampaio, A.C.; Lima, J.S. and Mendonça, J.R.



The transformation of Sepetiba's Port in a "Hub Port" has been motivating controversies one of which says respect to

the environmental impacts in an area already intensely degraded.

This paper is focused in the area of influence of Sepetiba's Port that includes part of the basin of the Sepetiba's Bay. The

basin was defined as the basic dynamic unit, whose functionality is fundamental to understand the dynamics of the

integrands subsystems which are: Serra do Mar and Massifs of Pedra Branca e Gericinó-Mendanha, the coastal plain

and the Sepetiba's Bay, located in the West Zone of the municipal district of Rio de Janeiro and Itaguaí.

For the study of coastal plain and of the massifs the methodology was based in the soil, used as a space unity of analysis

since is correlates physical and social aspects.

By comparing this information, through GIS, use and occupation incompatibilities were determinated, as well as spatial

and temporally evaluations of the urban-industrial expansion process, the degradation and loss of agricultural areas, the

degradation and the extinction of ecosystems, and respective impacts on the quality of the local communities' life. The

final results were the generation of maps of the soil, and its respective incompatibilities, serving as base for planning

guidelines.

Starting from the verification of important changes in the coastal features the authors analysed models of evaluation and

hydrodynamics in the bay, considering the need of understanding the connections between these processes and the

human interference's in the subsystems of the Sepetiba's Bay. The results obtained are important to "trace" guidelines of

environmental management and space reorganisation with the main objective of re-establishing the landscape, which

was recently identified as an important fishing and tourist zone. In this way, this will guarantee the maintenance of the

traditional economic activities of the local communities.





THE STUDY OF EROSIONAL PROCESSES BASED

ON A WIDE-RANGING VULNERABILITY

ANALYSIS - THE CASE OF THE SOUTHEASTSIDE

OF MANAUS CITY, AMAZONAS STATE

Nava, D.B. and Alecrim, J.D.

Universidade do Amazonas, AM, Brasil


During the seventies and eighties, with the development of "Zona Franca" (duty free zone), the city of Manaus became

the main regional migratory flux center. A sudden and deranged rhythm of the urban growth, culminates with an

unsuitable areas for living, for example, steeped slopes, landslides and landscape erosion, lower-lying plains, forest

park, etc., which in this way, promote new social and environmental problems. The bad land use and deforestation lead

to changes on physical environmental (erosional processes), climate and tropical disease increase. The present study is

paying particular attention to examining the erosional processes based on a wide-ranging vulnerability analysis of the

southeastside of Manaus City.

The Vulnerability Map is - in agreement with Tricart's conception - the further identification of landscape stability units,

based on the partial goals of Crepani et al. (1996). A vulnerability classification was accepted: stable, moderately stable,

average stable/vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and vulnerable units. Forty erosional features were carry out into an

Erosional Processes Distribution Map, mainly on antropic activity. Nevertheless, the evolutionary processes are

strongly controlled by natural features of the rocks. The rill and gully erosions axes show northeast and northwest

direction nearly concordant with the local lineaments. The Vulnerability and Erosional Processes Distribution maps

together, congregates all forty erosional features related on vulnerable and moderately vulnerable units. In this sence,

the task achieved proves by reasoning the efficience of the methodology applied. The identifing of vulnerable areas due

to erosional processes becomes na important key to the urban planning. This work deals the racional planning of the

studied region leading to a better quality of the urban environment for Manaus City.





DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL

SUSCEPTIBILITY AND POTENTIAL USE OF

PUBLIC VISIT TRACKS IN THE CURUCUTU

NUCLEUS OF THE STATE PARK OF SERRA DO

MAR - BRAZILIAN SOUTHEAST

Nogueira, S.M.B.

Universidade do Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil


This work assesses the environmental susceptibility in face of "Ecoturism" demand in the Curutu nucleus of the State

Park of Serra do Mar, situated in the south of São Paulo City and north of the Escarpa and coast of the ltanhaém and

Mongaguá. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the research are based on geomorphologic analysis of

morphodynamic instability and stability of land, by identifying the capability and the degree of environmental fragility.

It aims to reorganize land use from an "Environmental Zoning of Land Use Capability", on 1:50,000 scale setting up

five categories of zones:

1- Permanent Conservation Zone;

2- Buffer Zone;

3 - Extensive Use Zone;

4 - Intensive Use Zone; 5 Recuperation Zone.

Furthermore, the research is assessing the six tracks of public visit from fields data and 1:10,000 scale thematic maps.

The aim is deepening the analysis of environmental capability of the tracks and their surroundings, checking the

proposed enviromental zoning. The tracks are concentrated in areas of the Planalto Paulistano and Escarpa, with convex

or angular top high mounts, where the soils are sandy over gneissic granites facilitate an intensive land dissecting. The

slopes are over 20o a thresholds for landslides on the Serra do Mar. From the results, some guidelines for public use of

the nucleus reorganization are being set, and one of them is the definition of rules for tracks visiting, aiming not to

overcome the environmental capability identified or giving up another ones because of their high degree of fragility and

morphodynamic instability. Moreover, the proposal of new tracks in sites more appropriated to the sustainable use of

resources is being considered.





ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS AS SUPPORT

FOR URBAN PLANNING

Oliveira, F.A.

Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil


This work on applied geomorphology, part of a project being developed at the Department of Geography / University of

São Paulo, represents a qualitative study based on the analysis of selected environmental parameters as support for

urban planning. The area to be studied is part of an urban expansion vector in the city of Jundiaí;, SP, Brazil. The recent

urbanization process promoted in a short period of time the setting of severe erosion in some sectors of this area.

The main objective of this work is to define, based on a geomorphological approach, sectors prone mainly to linear

erosion processes, which can be considered unsafe for urban land use. Other objectives refer to the development and

preparation of cartographic documents to support the study, specially a morphologic map.

A first analysis of parameters such as morphology and declivity indicates that the urbanization of sectors which bear an

association of concave forms with slope angles over 7 degrees may already accelerate morphogenetic processes such as

linear erosion, specially if associated with the practice of removal of the vegetation cover. Sectors with slope angles

over 17 degrees can be considered critical and should be avoided.

This work brings to discussion the use of geomorphology as an important tool in the decision taking process of urban

planning.





THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE

GEOMORPHOLOGY IN THE ELABORATION OF

MASTERS PLANS IN THE PROTECT AREAS OF

THE SAO PAULO'S COAST - BRAZILIAN SOUTH-

EAST

Raimundo, S.1 and Nogueira, S.M.B.2 1 Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.

2 Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil


In São Paulo's State, in a systematic way, a few instruments of Environmental Planning in its Protect Areas, have been

produced. Between 1996 and 1997 Masters Plans were elaborated for ten Protect Areas, through the "Projeto de

Preservaçao da Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Rain Forest Preservation Project), in the Coastal Province of the State. Such

plans were elaborated being followed an unpublished methodology in São Paulo. The objective of this paper is to

present the referring results of the researcher's contribution and risings in Geomorphology, while science that supplied

important parameters for the elaboration of these plans, returned to the environmental management. The

geomorphologic research was elaborated through of two levels of information:

1) the classification of the morphologic features diversity and associated morphodinamics processes;

2) the identification, starting from an analysis integrated with biological and socioeconomic factors, of the

potentiality of habitats and occupation risk areas, for example, the subject ones the landslides and the

susceptible to the overflow, typical processes of the slopes in the Serra do Mar.

The results already allowed a refinement of the proposals of Environmental Zoning existent for these areas, facilitating

a rearrange of the inadequate land-use and adapting them to the support capacity of the environment, as well identifying

the conflicts with the established environmental legislation. The vectors of human pressure were also appraised with

relationship to the risk to the ecotonals areas, in places where the characteristics of the environment facilitated the

regeneration of the significant vegetable covering, but that met under a degradation human use. This way, the

Geomorphology's role is confirmed as fundamental science in applied works, as those that objectify to identify

potentials and risks to the occupation in areas of complex compartimentation of the relief, as in the case here exposed.





TOURIST POTENTIAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE AS

INDICATORS OF MAINTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST ZONE WEST OF

THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF RIO DE JANEIRO

Ramalho, R.S.; Moura, J.R.S.; Menezes, P.M.L. and Vernot, É.


The Massif of Gericinó - Mendanha, Environmental Conservation Unit, in agreement with the art. 2nd, letter "d" and

"and" and the art. 18 of the law 6.938, of 31/08/81, shows a landscape of great scenic beauty with large areas densely

forested and with rare biological species threatered with is extinction.

Placed in the Zona Oeste of the Municipal district of Rio de Janeiro, the area is characterized predominantly by

occupation of low income, exercing an influence in a resident concentrated population of approximately 2 million

inhabitants.

In the last decades, this area has been suffering with the accelerated and not planned urbanization, where zones of

agricultural vocation and of preservation are threatered by the settling of habitational groups, appearance and expansion

of slums, and waste deposits.

These aspects urge, the need to evaluate the social-environmental relationships between the population and the Massif.

As well as, to evidence the growing degradation of the forested area, through multitemporal analysis.

The area considered as direct influence from the Massif, was defined by the horizontal axis that ties the extreme east

and west slopes, embracing the surrounding neighborhoods: Campo Grande, Sacred, Cosmos, Senator Vasconcelos,

Bangu, Senator Camará, Priest Miguel and Realengo.

Crossing the map of use of the soil in different times, associated with the social environmental investigations, it was

demonstrated an urgent need of an environmental administration plan in the Massif. Also the formulation of an

ecological touristic plan, seeking the generation of business and lazer, in another program this will integrate the

population adjacent to the Massif, generating a maintainable development for the area.





ON ANTHROPOGEOMORPHOLOGY

Rodrigues,C.

Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Around 1970 the growth of environmental problems following technical progress, increasing public concern about the

depletion of Earth Resources as well as the awareness of alterations on global processes and cycles led to a growing

need for interdisciplinary research on assessment of anthropic impacts on natural systems.

On the one hand, at that time methodological issues were available but, on the other hand, they weren't taken on

account. For example, the anthropic approach shoud take advantage of systems theory principles, detailed

geomorphological cartography, several time-spatial scales, the frequence-magnitude approach, etc.

Analyses of literature on pure and applied geomorphology, and Brazilian studies on environmental planning, allow to

conclude about general needs for recovering and employing basic principles and notions of the geomorphological

approach to identify, measure, and predict the effects of human actions. The review of literature enable to propose a list

of methodological procedures for the development of anthropogeomorphology according to the following basic items:

#To look at human actions as geomorphological actions on terrestrial surface. It means that human activities

promotes changes in form attributes, materials attributes and position, and processes rates, balances, and

vectors;

#To investigate patterns of human actions meaningful for morphodynamics;

#To investigate cumulative and dynamic history of human interventions, starting from pre-disturbance stages;

#To employ many supplementary time-space scales, especially large scales, i.e., 1:10000 and larger, or time

intervals, i.e., days, hours, seconds...;

#To employ and investigate new possibilities of detailed geomorphological cartography;

#To take advantage of systems approach, and dynamic equilibrium theory;

#To utilize thresholds notion and magnitude/frequence analysis;

#To emphasize global/integrated analysis of natural systems (basins, slopes,etc.) to improve measurements and

estimations of human intervention effects;

#To take in account the particularities of morphoclimatic contexts, and

#To amplify monitoring of rates, balances, and vectors of derivative processes.





COMPARATIVE STUDY OF

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPS APPLIED TO

ENVIRONMENTAL ZONING

Rodrigues, S.C.

Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil


The present work presents a proposed comparative study of three of geomorphological maps used in different projects

of environmental zoning accomplished in Brazil starting from the decade of 90.

With the retaking of the process of regional planning of vast portions of the Brazilian territory located in the areas

Center-West and North, the geomorphological studies has composed part of the ecological diagnoses, intermediary

phase in this planning process, executing preponderant paper in the natural environmental units definition.

The conceptual base for such projects was given starting from the Environmental Diagnosis of Legal Amazônia that it

contemplated a series of rising of the landscape, embracing geological, geomorphological and pedologic studies. In this

work the first conceptual and methodological geomorphologic bases were thrown regarding the diagnosis to be

implemented in the regional works of zoning.





GEOMORPHOLOGICS MAPS IN ENVIRONMENT

ZONING PROJET

Ross, J.L.S.

Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil


The geomorphologicys researchs based in mapping of the ways of relief, have seen increased in brasilian territory. Its

objetives are environment planning in differents dimensions. Geomorphologics maps and the others thematics maps

have been used to create resume products like maps of fragility environment and maps of environment zoning.

The Conception is the system theory point if you consider that the way of terrestial relief belong to interativy funcional

process and interdependents mutuas among the others components of nature and human societies. The ways of terrestial

relief have their bases determinated by the energy and flow matter wich have been beetwen components of nature.

These ones are oposite and complete themselves. They get differents physionomy that appear in the earth surface

thourough ways of relief, rocks, air, earth, vegetation, animals, and the mens.

The methodologie is based in Bertrand (1972), Sotchawa (1968), Gerasimov (1946), Mecerjakov (1968), Tricart (1977),

with changings by Ross (1990, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1998). The ways of relief have funcional stability or potential,

upper instability.Then you have the taxonomy propost by Ross (1990 and 1992) to creation of geomorphologic map.

Improving the production of unity environment map (Ross 1995 and 1998).These products have correlection with

others plans of geographycs informations. The getting the environment zoning. The greatest example wich was aplied

was the basin Paraguay river-Brazil, in the Pantanal's Project with 396.000Km2. This project was developmented by

scientists of University UFMS, UFMT,UFRGS,USP,UNESP, EMBRAPA and IBGE.





CONTRIBUTION OF GEOMORPHOLOGIC-

PEDOLOGIC ATTRIBUTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL

PLANNING IN REGION OF GUARATIBA

Santos, H. M.C.1;Moura, J.R.S.1 and Antunes, F.S.2 1 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

2 Pontifícia Universidade Católica, RJ, Brasil

This work is based on the study of soils as units of spatial analysis of the Administrative Region of Guaraiba, situated in

West Zone-município Rio de Janeiro. The methodologic approach related to attributes and use/occupation served as

assistance to diagnosis and reordainment of the region.

The close association of the soils with the geomorphologics, configurations has been proved, establishing the units

environmental. Besides, the geomorphologic and pedologic attributes revealed strong influence in relation to human

occupation and to definition and delimitation of the incompatibilities of spacial use.

During the ful.fil.ment of the study of these environmental conditions and the extension of the incompatible areas has

been used software idrisi, revealing total the 21% of incompatibles areas, with 20 km2 (15%) of rural areas and

7,93km2 (5,8%) of incompatible urban areas in Guaratiba.

The areas of major incompatibilities are concentrated within the units of slopes and plains. The areas along slopes

formed by granitic and gneissic rocks of the red yellow podzolic soils are vulnerables to landslides, where, as in the

plains of fluvial-marin sediments, susceptible inundations, occur of gleys soils. The high index the incompatibles areas

and the inadequate handling of the soils(rural and urban) they constitute the main degradation cause.

With base to the attributes of soils, it was possible to define and to delimit for the non occupates 4 classes for use:

environmental preservation 25,8 km2, agricultural 5,6 km2, urbanized 11,0 km2 and 5,0 km2 for urban and agricultural

use.

The methodological approach starting from the attributes of the soils, comes effetive in the diagnosis of environmental

degradation, it serves as a referencial to planning and space reordainment.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CARTOGRAPHY AS A

BASE FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION:

THE CASE OF THE EXTREME SOUTH OF SANTA

CATARINA, BRAZIL

Valdati, J. and Pellerin, J.

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil


In December of 1995 the extreme South of Santa Catarina State was affected by heavy rains concentrated on the valley's

headwater (edge of the Brazilian South Plateau). The rainstorm meant a disaster to the local population, killing people,

destroying houses and interrupting economical activities. With the objective of identifying areas potentially susceptible

to similar natural events, the present study has been developed on the Rio da Pedra valley, located near the area affected

in 1995. Both areas present the same morphological characteristics: high declivity on the headwaters (edge of the

plateau) and plains formed by fluvial deposits in the form of alluvial fans. The study tries to identify, by the sediment

forms found, plains areas subject to different kinds of floods, as well as to monitor the rain precipitation and the

changes caused by them on the main fluvial channel. The preliminary data indicates that natural events of great extent,

similar to the one occurred on the neighbour valleys in 1995, may have even more serious consequences in this valley:

first because of the basin natural characteristics, that has area bigger than that of the neighbour valleys; second, by the

human occupation which occurs mainly on the basin areas formed by fluvial deposits. In the sense, the detailed

geomorphological cartography of the plain is a basic document for the territorial planning of the area, as well as for the

elaboration of alert chart of the areas with possibility of being affected by great extent floods.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Remote Sensing, Geoprocessing and Geomorphological Research

1. USING MIXTURE ANALYSIS FOR SOIL INFORMATION EXTRACTION FROM AN AVIRIS SCENE AT THE WALNUT GULCH EXPERIMENTAL WATERSHED - ARIZONA

2. MODELING THE DEPENDENCE OF GROUNDWATER FLOW ON TOPOGRAPHY AND LAND USE FOR FOUR 1,000 KM2 CATCHMENTS IN RONDONIA, BRAZIL

3. RADARSAT-1/S2 AND TM LANDSAT DATA FUSION FOR RELIEF FEATURE ENHANCEMENT

4. GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE REGION OF JAPARATINGA, ALAGOAS, BRAZIL 5. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES MAPPING AS A CONTRIBUTION TO DECISION

SUPPORT 6. THE USE OF LANDSAT-TM IMAGE TO ANALYSE THE KARST SCENARIO AND LAND

USE IN THE SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER VALLEY ( NORTH MINAS GERAIS STATE-BRAZIL)

7. THE ADAPTILE USE OF KRIGING AS AN INFERENTIAL TECHNIQUE: THE USE OF SLOPE MODEL

8. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK EVALUATION WITHIN AN URBAN AREA: THE EXAMPLE OF THE QUITITE VALLEY IN RIO DE JANEIRO

9. GIS BASED LANDSCAPE TOPOGRAPHIC UNITS MAPPING FOR TREE SPECIES POTENTIAL HABITAT MODELING

10. APLICABILITY OF REMOTE SENSING PRODUCTS TO THE PHYSIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION FOR SOIL MAPPING

11. LAND USE CHANGE ANALYSIS BY LANDSAT-TM IMAGE: LAGOA SANTA AREA/ MINAS GERAIS - BRAZIL

12. THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND GEOPROCESSING TO THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF NATAL AND PARNAMIRIM (RIO GRANDE DO NORTE)

13. THE USE OF IMAGE PROCESSING TO ENHANCEMENT THE FEATURES RELATED WITH LANDSLIDE IN TM - LANDSAT DATA

14. LANDFORM UNITS DISCRIMINATION USING LANDSAT-TM AND ALGEBRA MAP 15. USING THE 3D ANALYST MODULE OF ARC-VIEW GIS TO IMPROVE THE

VISUALIZATION OF EROSION AREAS IN SMALL URBAN WATERSHEDS 16. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEODIVERSITY

17. THE APPLICATION OF 3G-THECHNIQUE TO THE STUDY ON SUBMARINE STRATIFICATION IN SHENZHEN BEY, CHINA


All rights reserved




USING MIXTURE ANALYSIS FOR SOIL

INFORMATION EXTRACTION FROM AN AVIRIS

SCENE AT THE WALNUT GULCH

EXPERIMENTAL WATERSHED - ARIZONA

Accioly, L.J.O1; Huete, A R2. and Batchily, K.2 1 EMBRAPA - Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Brasil

2 The University of Arizona


Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) has been used to extract qualitative and quantitative information about common

features in an imagery at the subpixel level. At the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (Arizona) this technique was

used to produce the soil spectral map and quantify the fractions of each soil endmember on an image from the Airborne

Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) sensor. SMA was applied on the base of image and reference

endmembers in a geometrically correced AVIRIS data. Atmospheric correction was performed by using the

Atmospheric Removal Program (ATREM). SMA assumes that few features (endmembers) on the ground are

responsible for the integrated radiance received by a sensor for a single píxel. SMA also assumes that the at the sensor

spectral radiance represents a linear combination of the spectral response o each endmember multiplyied by its

individual fraction within a single pixel. Four image endmembers (McAllister and Stronghold soils, green vegetation,

and shade) were needed to model AVIRIS data on the base of image endmembers. There was a general agreement

between field observation and the delineation of the boundaries of McAllister and Stronghold soil series through the

spectral map generated by SMA. Dark soils (Graham and Epitaph soil series) and shade fractions was separated only in

the spatial context. A technique called target test was used to detect for the presence of reference endmembers on

AVIRIS data. On the base six detected reference endmembers SMA was successfully applied for subset of image pixels.





MODELING THE DEPENDENCE OF

GROUNDWATER FLOW ON TOPOGRAPHY AND

LAND USE FOR FOUR 1,000 KM2CATCHMENTS IN

RONDONIA, BRAZIL

Ballantine, J. A. and Dunne, T.

University of California at Santa Barbara, EUA


A major goal of current studies of Amazonian hydrology is to understand the impact of land use on streamflow.

Analysis of hydrographs from four 1,000 km2 basins in Rondonia shows that there is a strong correlation between the

ruggedness of topography and the hydrologic response time of the river basin. This evidence supports the idea that

before one can study how deforestation in a basin influences the streamflow, it is necessary to understand the antecedent

factors that control the streamflow: land cover, topography, soil hydraulic properties, climate, and channel network

topology. A physically based recharge model, groundwater model (MODFLOW), and river routing model (HEC-1),

were employed to generate a modeled hydrograph which was validated against known basin hydrographs. MODFLOW

was chosen as the central model because field observations and measurements show that most rainfall infiltrates to the

aquifer before it reaches the channel by overland flow. MODFLOW was used to explore the hydrologic influence of

topography on two forested basins representing extremes of rugged and smooth topography. After validating the model,

a sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the influence of varying degrees of ruggedness in the basins. Based on

this understanding of the importance of topography, two other basins with moderate degrees of deforestation and

topography were modeled to understand how the effect of deforestation on the soil-water balance and groundwater

recharge interacts with topography in affecting response time. Finally, the results were generalized to model the impact

of various deforestation scenarios on the hydrology in these basins.





RADARSAT-1/S2 AND TM LANDSAT DATA

FUSION FOR RELIEF FEATURE ENHANCEMENT

Carmona, S.L.1 and Nascimento, P.S.R.2 1 Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), Brasil

2 Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), Brasil


Optical sensors have limited application in tropical humid forest regions because of the constant cloud cover, nadir

viewing and shallow forest penetration capability. Orbital radar systems, however, are specially suited for studies in

those regions because they are quite independent on the weather conditions and illumination; besides that, the side

looking view increases their sensitivity to topography and surface roughness. In this paper the synergism between

RADARSAT and TM LANDSAT data is explored for the enhancement of relief information. The study area is located

in the State of Rondonia, Brazilian Amazon. This area was selected due to the flat terrain where the use of RADAR data

is essential to the enhancement of the topographic texture and micro and macro surface topography. Optical and radar

data fusion was performed by IHS transformation. The resulting product was submitted to photo-interpretation. The

radar component of the integrated data was useful to map hills and crests in the region of large geological control. The

drainage pattern showed organized and disorganized multidirectional shapes and unidirectional shapes. The micro

topography and the low incidence angle provide by the S2 view responded for the modulation of the radar backscatter.

TM contribution was related to the spectral differences between geomorphological units. The integration of optical and

SAR data was essential to the extraction of relief information from the flat topography of the Amazon region.





GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE REGION OF

JAPARATINGA, ALAGOAS, BRAZIL

Ferreira, R.V.1 and Candeias, AL.B. 2 1 Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral (DNPM), Brasil

2 Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, PE, Brasil


The present work is a geomorphological study of the region of Japaratinga, situated on the northern coast of the State of

Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. The area located within the Sergipe-Alagoas sedimentary basin; which constitutes a strip

of sedimentary terrain that occurs along the coast of the States of Alagoas and Sergipe. The outcropping area of the

basin is 13.000 km2 and its submerse area comprises 20.000 km2. The result of the investigation was the drawing of a

semi detailed geomorphological map at 1: 50.000. Remote sensing and cartographic data were analyzed and processed

by the GIS software SPRING.





GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES MAPPING

AS A CONTRIBUTION TO DECISION SUPPORT

Goes, M.H.B.

Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The present efforts to plan and develop the geographic area known as the Sepetiba Port Hinterland ("Retroporto de

Sepetiba), which comprises a great part of the Sepetiba Bay Coastal Plain, in the western part of the state of Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil, bring into light the basic role played by Geomorphology upon the modern human occupation of a

geographic area. This fact has been recognized by geographers since long ago, but the recent development of the

technologies and methodologies of geoprocessing, remote sensing, together with investigations about landscape

fragmentation and biodiversity, promoted a renewed and specific interest on geomorphologic classifications and related

issues. It is possible to identify areas where dominant geomorphologic processes do act, and this identification may be

translated into digital mapping. This procedure allows exhaustive investigation, and eventually the unexpected

revealing, of topological relations occurring among the existing environmental (physical, biotic and socio-economic)

conditions prevailing on a geographic area.

For the area of the Sepetiba Bay Coastal Plain, digital maps showing the territorial distribution of prevailing

geomorphologic processes were successfully used as a basic support for environmental impact evaluation studies

carried at the Laboratório de Geoprocessamento Aplicado of the Departamento de Geociencias of the Instituto de

Agronomia of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro.

Although requiring intensive attention to the relation processes x landforms, the identification of the territorial

distribution of geomorphologic processes allows, through geoprocessing, the pointing out of simultaneous occurrences

with other features. This may indicate causal relationships between the processes themselves and other relevant

environmental characteristics. This direct indication of relationships is of special interest to decision support problems

involving multidisciplinary research teams and financial resources administrators, particularly when concerning

potential land uses and biodiversity investigations.





THE USE OF LANDSAT-TM IMAGE TO ANALYSE

THE KARST SCENARIO AND LAND USE IN THE

SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER VALLEY ( NORTH

MINAS GERAIS STATE-BRAZIL)

Kohler, H.C.; Pinto, S.A.F. and Abreu, J.F.

Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil

E- mail: [email protected]

In the studyed scenario the change of cattle raising and tarditional agriculture has substantally impacted the fundiary

structure and also the karst.

This study was developed using digital Landsat-TM image (WRS 218/74-B) collected in july 1997. TM bands 3,4 and 5

were chosen as imput to digital analysis with the support of SITIM/INPE software. These Landsat data were submited

to a linear contrast strech enhansement and HSI (Hue, saturation and intensity) transform to provide the best visual

separation of the karstic relief units. The visual analysis of the spectral and spatial characteristics of the data, indicated

that the results obtained with that approach were similar with the field data.The digital Landsat-TM image shows the

differents karst units and their different land use:

I. COVERED KARST : <780m - Cretaceous Planation Surface, sandy soils, lateritic duricrust, savana,

extensive cattle farms. 750 - 780m - South American Surface (Oligocene - Miocene), lateritic soils, duricrust,

savana, pasture, semi intensive cattle farms.

II. KARST: 615-750m - Fluviokarst,doline landscape, karren field, restricted land use. 500-700m -

Escalonated escarpment, karren field, no land use.

III. SÃO FRANCISCO KARST PLAIN: 440 - 500m - Dissolution dolines, irrigation systems (channels-river

warer; aerial-groundwater), agroindustrial settlements and semi intensive cattle farms.

IV: SÃ O FRANCISCO FLOOD PLAIN: 440 - 444m - Marginal dique, sand banks, marginal lakes, no land

use.

*This research was supported by FAPEMIG (Fundaçao de Amparo á Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais).





THE ADAPTILE USE OF KRIGING AS AN

INFERENTIAL TECHNIQUE: THE USE OF SLOPE

MODEL

Lourenço, R.W.; Toledo, C.E.V. and Landim, P.M.B.

Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil


Kriging is a interpolation technique with a minimum error variance widely used as a reliable estimation method. Among

the used forms, ordinary kriging is the most usual and has features as recognition of anisotropies, unbiasedness and the

computation of the minimized estimation variance also know as the kriging variance. Such features are not all avaible in

other interpolation methods, as polynomial triangulation, inverse of weighted distance, minimum curvature, polynomial

regression, etc. That means, kriging provides a set of statistical tools for incorporating the spatial coordinates of the

observation in data processing, allowing for description and modeling of spatial patterns, prediction at unsampled

locations, and assessment of the uncertainty attached to these predictions.

But for the appropriate application of kriging spatial data information must be known. In the geostatistical literature,

spatial patterns are usually described in terms of correlation and/or covariance between observation as a function of the

separation distance. Semivariogram provides tools for detecting and quantifying the major scales of spatial variability.

The main purpose of this paper is call attention when using the kriging technique without previous evaluations of the

spatial dependence of the data and the chosen example was altitude data. Altitude models are usefully in geological and

geomorphological for evaluate spatial distribution of topographical potential erosion as well as deposition. Besides that,

kriging can be used for modelling orientation slopes of fluvial units and also direction and capacity of sediment

transport.





ENVIRONMENTAL RISK EVALUATION WITHIN

AN URBAN AREA: THE EXAMPLE OF THE

QUITITE VALLEY IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Moreira, I.C.1; Xavier-da-Silva, J.1,2 & Valente, S.C.1 1 Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil


Possibly, Rio can be placed within a group of urban areas which are constantly affected by natural catastrophes as a

consequence of its dramatic climate variations, complex lithostratigraphy and structural geology, as well as constant

human impact. The study area, as with many other locations in Rio de Janeiro, can be considered a good example of a

depply affected environment due to human/nature relationships.

This research concerns to the evaluation of environmental risks (e.g. landslides) in the Quitite Valley, west Rio. The

methodology applied can be found in Xavier & Carvalho (1993). Geoprocessing was taken through the SAGA/UFRJ

software. Various maps were produced and a fewer compiled (e.g. Vieira et al., 1997). Maps include those for

vegetation, altimetry, geology, previous landslides locations and geomorphology. Subsequently, an environmental

signature map was produced as a means of supporting a computerised planimetry which records natural and human

characteristics that mostly control landslides phenomena in the valley.

All the obtained data served to a final evaluation of environmental risks in the Quitite Valley. A digital diagram was

produced in order to present very low-, low-,medium-, medium/high-, high- and very high-risk areas for landslides in

the valley. Such a diagram can give support to decision makers concerning the occupation of the valley in a way it

causes minimum impact to the environment, among other applications.

References:

Vieira et al., 1997

Xavier & Carvalho, 1993





GIS BASED LANDSCAPE TOPOGRAPHIC UNITS

MAPPING FOR TREE SPECIES POTENTIAL

HABITAT MODELING

Mortara, M.O. and Valeriano, D.M.

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), SP, Brasil


This work presents a methodology for Landscape Topographic Units (LTU) mapping to be applied in tree species

potential habitat modeling. LTU were determined as homogeneous units regarding Altitude, Aspect and Terrain

Position. The study area is located in Vale do Paraíba Region in São Paulo State, Brazil, corresponding to IBGE

Tremembé map sheet (1:50 000; SF-23-Y-B-V-4). Input data are 20m contour lines with VIPs and drainage network.

Geographical analysis was conducted within ARC/INFO 7.0.2 environment. A triangular irregular network (TIN) was

generated from the contour lines, using VIPs and drainage network as break lines. TIN was converted into gridded

digital elevation model (DEM) from which Slope and Aspect maps were derived. DEM was stratified into 200 m

Altitude classes, represented in the Altitude map (classes from 500 m to 1900 m). Aspect map was stratified into four

classes centered at the cardinal directions. The procedure to generate Terrain Position map involved first the

stratification of Slope map into two classes: < 5° and > 5°. A 30 meters buffer was established along the drainage

network which was then intersected to the stratified Slope map with the following rule: areas with < 5° slope and

intersecting drainage buffer are attributed to Bottomland class; areas with < 5° slope which do not intersect drainage

buffer are attributed to Hilltop class. Areas with > 5° slope were further stratified into terrain curvature classes by the

application of CURVATURE function to the DEM, which discriminated Concave and Flat (curvature < 0) and Convex

(curvature > 0) classes. The intersection among Altitude, Aspect and Terrain Position maps yielded LTU map, which

will be used as proxy information for habitat variables such as temperature and irradiance (Altitude and Aspect), soil

hydric characteristics and erosive processes (Terrain Position) which are relevant for tree species colonization and

survival.





APLICABILITY OF REMOTE SENSING PRODUCTS

TO THE PHYSIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION

FOR SOIL MAPPING

Pfeifer, R.M.1 and França, G.V.2 1 Instituto Florestal, São Paulo, SP., Brasil 2 Universidade de São Paulo,SP, Brasil.

This study aims at evaluating the potential utilization of remote sensing products in soil survey. The visual

interpretation of the superficial drainage patterns and relief characteristics of the Cardoso Island State Park is presented.

The land stratification into homogeneous areas, called physiographic units, was performed through the interpretation of

aerial photographs (scale of 1:25,000); the false color composite Landsat TM image (5, 4 and 3) scale 1:50,000; and

radar image - GEMS 1,000 band X - semi controlled mosaic, scale 1:250,000. Each unit was characterized according to

descriptive and quantitative elements of drainage and merely descriptive of relief. Through the interpretation elements

the grouping analysis (Multivariable) was tested in the definition of the groups of physiographic units related to the

different kinds of soil. From the analysis and discussion obtained the following conclusions can be drawn: the greatest

contribution to the drawing of the superficial drainage network and the delimitation of homogeneous areas was given by

the interpretation of aerial photographs followed by the Landsat TM images in relation to the radar images; stream

frequency (among quantitative features), degree of control and angularity (among qualitative features) of the superficial

drainage network as well as topographical position, relief kind and class were the most efficient variables in the

separation of groups of physiographic units, both in the scale 1:25,000 and 1:50,000; the interpretation elements in the

several remote sensing products as applied to the study of soils should not be analyzed separately but together; and the

methodology used in the Cardoso Island is potentially valid in soil surveys at the level of semi-detail with the use of

aerial photographs in the approximate scale of 1:25,000, at the level of recognition with orbital image in the scale of

1:50,000 and at a more general level with radar image in the scale of 1:250,000.





LAND USE CHANGE ANALYSIS BY LANDSAT-TM

IMAGE: LAGOA SANTA AREA/ MINAS GERAIS -

BRAZIL

Pinto, S.A.F.; Kohler, H.C; Batista, L.F.R.; Valgas Filho, J.H.A. and Melilo, H.R.

Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, MG, Brasil


The land resource studies reported in this paper were developed in the Lagoa Santa Environmental Protection Area

(APA Lagoa Santa) with the use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems. These technologies were

applied for land use/cover mapping and monitoring. Two scenarios (1989 and 1997) were chosen for change detection

analysis. The area of this study is located in the central region of Minas Gerais state and it was selected due to the

presence of important Karstic relief (late Proterozoic calcareous rocks of Bambui group).

The land use/cover data were obtained from aerial photographs (1989) and digital Landsat-TM image (1997). These

data were digitized and integrated with the support of a Geographic Information System (SITIM/SGI/INPE). A map of

land use/cover change (1989 as 1997) was obtained. Due to the intensity of the antropic activities with the decrease of

agriculture land use the temporal analysis has indicated that scenario of 1989 was more disturbed than 1997.

*This research was supported by FIP/PUC-Minas (Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa - Projeto 97/001 P)





THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND

GEOPROCESSING TO THE

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF NATAL AND

PARNAMIRIM (RIO GRANDE DO NORTE)

Ramalho, M.F.J.L.



This study is part of an analysis of the influences of the antropic and physical environment, developed from Remote

Sensing and Geoprocessing. With these techniques the results obtained by the overlaping of the geomorphological map

with the slope angle map, the superficial composition and soil use, aiming to evaluate the dynamics of the erosive

processes in an area exposed to antropic interferences, characterized by gentle slopes and sandy soils, which generally

are mobilized by transport agents, especially wind, which has a considerable effect. This interpretation is based on field

studies and laboratory anlysis of the collected materials in different areas, techniques that supported the mapping

process and evaluation of elements that include the environmental system of the Natal/Parnamirim region, situated

between the coordinates of 5° 53' 00" - 5° 55' 47" S and 35° 10' 53" - 35° 13' 30" W.





THE USE OF IMAGE PROCESSING TO

ENHANCEMENT THE FEATURES RELATED

WITH LANDSLIDE IN TM - LANDSAT DATA

Sestini, M.F. and Florenzano, T.G.

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), SP, Brasil


Images processing such as linear contrast stretch, ration band, multiplication band and principal components

transformation were used to enhance in TM - Landsat data features related to landslides occurrence as landslide scar,

antropic features and relief features. The study was carried out among a sector of Serra do Mar in the city of

Caraguatatuba (São Paulo, State, Brazil) using images obtained at January 1996.

The composition of band TM 473 RGB contributed most effectively to discriminate landslide scar differences. Antropic

features and landslide scar features were highlighted by both ration band composition (5/7, 4/3, 4/1 RGB) and principal

components composition (321 RGB), but only principal components composition could distinguished then. The

multiplication band composition (5x4, 2x4, 7x4 RGB) contributed better to highlight relief features related to landslide

as valley configuration and slope configuration.

The above techniques were supported by aerial photographs, topographic maps, thematic maps and field observation.

The information obtained by these processing were integrated with MNT data and thematic data, generating the

landslide hazard map.





LANDFORM UNITS DISCRIMINATION USING

LANDSAT-TM AND ALGEBRA MAP

Sousa, C.J.S.1 and Florenzano, T.G.2 1 Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, CEFET - MG, Brasil

2 Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), SP, Brasil


The objective of this study is to prepare a geomorphological map of a section of the Rio Paraiba do Sul watershed in the

surroundings of São José dos Campos City (São Paulo State) using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Color

composite LANDSAT-TM images from both January (1987) and July (1988) were analyzed according image texture,

shape, shadow and pattern characteristics. The landform units of this region were classified as denudational (hills and

ridges) and depositional units (fluvial plains and terraces). The three types of interfluve: flat, round and angular can be

distinguished on these images. GIS techniques such as algebra map were applied to obtain two morphometric indices:

interfluve and relief amplitude. These parameters were calculated using the zonal operators implemented under the

environment of the command language of the SPRING system (LEGAL). The result is a map of homogeneous landform

units of the area under study.





USING THE 3D ANALYST MODULE OF ARC-VIEW

GIS TO IMPROVE THE VISUALIZATION OF

EROSION AREAS IN SMALL URBAN

WATERSHEDS

Veneziani Jr, J.C.1; Ferreira, M.C.1; Azevedo, T.S.1 and Palanca, R.2 1 Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil

2 Fundaçao Educacional de Jaú, SP, Brasil


In the city of Jau - SP, an artificial lake was built in 1995. In 1996, it was filled by sediments removed of a small

watershed site in the urban area by erosion in the slopes, occupied with agricultural and urban use. To evaluate and to

identify the sediments source areas of the watershed, geographical information system techniques and methods were

used.

A digital cartographic database was built at 1:10.000 scale, using topographic charts, soil maps and land use map. The

maps were digitized and inputted in the ArcView 1.0 and Idrisi 2.0 GIS, to create a digital terrain model (DTM) and

soil/land use raster maps. The DTM was built using the TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network), the most efficient model

to design the landforms in digital form.

A cartographic model for erosion prediction was implemented in the GIS to obtain a watershed susceptibility erosion

areas map. To improve the visualization of the susceptibility erosion map, it was joined to the watershed landforms and

used the 3D Analyst Module of ArcView GIS. Applying that technique, it was possible to create a 3D landscape erosion

map, that permits to the user to visualize the entire area in all directions possible.





GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEODIVERSITY

Xavier da Silva, J.

Universidade Federal doRio de Janeiro and Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil


Landforms are the physical basis upon which life is organized at the Earth's surface. This affirmation includes the

human use of the geographic space, but must not be used to ascertain any deterministic control upon human activities,

which can even create artificial bases for its existence, such as the modern cities. This human capacity to control the

environment does not preclude the fact that geomorphologic features identified and mapped for a specific area, taken as

"homogeneous" or "isotropic" units, can be used as a logical platform to infer about the variability of other co-incident

environmental characteristics.

It is reasonable to imagine that through a careful and exhaustive survey of the present-day locational co-incidences

between landforms and vegetation covers, is possible to foresee, for instance, preferential paths for the creation of forest

regeneration corridors along devastated areas. Thus, the natural locational associations of vegetation types and

landforms registered today do teach us about how to select and conduct future environmental recovering measures.

The considerations above have their theoretic (and pragmatic) basis on the concept of GEODIVERSITY and its

relationships with Geomorphology. GEODIVERSITY is the expression of the variability of environmental

characteristics found in a geographic area. This robust concept can be made operational, i.e., turned into a rewarding

environmental investigation procedure, through massive use of geoprocessing techniques upon geocoded databases

containing multiple types of environmental information. In this regard, the geomorphologic classes identified for a

geographic area can be used as a logical and physical territorial support upon which Geodiversity measurements can be

obtained through geoprocessing. For each landform class identified at the database - postulated as an isotropic entity in

terms of topographic shape, physical constitution and genetic processes - a planimetric rastering procedure can

exhaustively generate a report on the occurrence of other relevant environmental characteristics, in the area covered by

the selected landform. For this landform, it will be revealed how variable is the associated assemblage of other

environmental characteristics such as soil, rock and vegetation types. Correlation measures and other comparative

indicators can be derived from the results. A table containing some measurements of Geodiversity made on the Amazon

Region is presented below, as an example of the operational possibilities of the mentioned concept.

Table 1 - Geodiversity indexes





THE APPLICATION OF 3G-THECHNIQUE TO THE

STUDY ON SUBMARINE STRATIFICATION IN

SHENZHEN BEY, CHINA

Zhu, D.; Yang, B.; Li, H.; Pan, S. and Shi, B.

Nanjing University, China


Shezhen bay is a shallow water bay along east coast of Pearl estuary, China. For the sake of engineering, we need

investigate the structure and spatial distribution of submarine stratification. This is a geomorphology and Quaternary

research which supplies service for engineering within a small region, as well as a new experiment in spatial analysis of

marine strata applying comprehensively the modern 3-G techniques ---GPS, GEOPULSE, GIS. The field work includes

two aspects: one is the geomorphological and quaternary survey in Shenzhen bay and along its coast, the objective is to

investigate the original geomorphological characteristics and the rough sketch of environmental evolution; the other is

the survey in submarine stratification, mainly using GPS (Model 1008-586), GEOPULSE (5210A). Renting the steel

hull ship that its load is 200 tons and light draught is 0.5m, we arranged the measuring line in NS and WE to begin our

section measurement and investigation. After finishing the fieldwork, we give out the case explanation to seismic

profile integrating with the comprehensive analysis of the geomorphological and quaternary survey along coast and in

the sea. After checking and adjusting the drilling data in Shenzhen bay in several times, the whole profile was input to

computer with the methods of manual collecting. The software we used is ARC/INFO. We got the spatial distribution of

submarine stratification and all kinds of data through calculation. This paper will give emphasis on the application of

new technology to the geomorphological and quaternary research within small region.





Abstracts


Geomorphology

SESSION: Miscellaneous

1. A DIAGNOSTIC ABOUT EIAs-RIMAs DEVELOPMENT IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE DURING THE 70'S , 80'S AND 90'S

2. MOPHOLOGY, ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 'RECULÉES' AND CANYONS OF THE KARSTIC PLATEAU OF ARCOS-PAINS, MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

3. APPLICATIONS OF THE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIG) IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF THE CITY OF BREJO DA MADRE DE DEUS

4. ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL-TEMPORAL VARIATION OF EROSIVITY IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT (DF) OF BRAZIL THROUGH ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION

5. NITROGEN IN SUBTROPICAL KARSTIC ENVIRONMENT 6. PODZOLIZATION AND SOIL ACIDIFICATION UNDER Pinus caribaea IN

UBERLÂNDIA-UBERABA PLATEAU, MINAS GERAIS


All rights reserved




A DIAGNOSTIC ABOUT EIAs-RIMAs

DEVELOPMENT IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE

DURING THE 70'S , 80'S AND 90'S

Anjos, O.C.; Andrade, F.A. ; Costa , J.J.;Rezende, T.S. and Pinheiro da Silva, S.C.



The men's search for improvement and confort has changed their "habitat" and simultaneously it has resulted in a

increasing of pollution activities that damages, chieffly, the air and water quality which are necessary recourses for their

healthy. Therefore, the urban center growth has been always followed by an increasing of environmental concern.

The foundation of water code (water law) in 1934 and forest code (forest law) in 1965 in Brazil are some of the most

important matters for the continous search of legal instruments concerning the environmental control which precedes

the EIAs RIMAs's compulsoriness.

The EIAs RIMAs appeared in 1977 in Rio de Janeiro State following the introduction of nuclear power station. The

concern about the environment came out in Brazil as a result of environmental politics in the 70's, especifically in the

USA and West Europe (with more emphasys in England, France, Germany and Sweden) when the Green Parties

emerged.

This work concerns the EIAs RIMAs working out diagnostic in Rio de Janeiro State during the 70's, 80's and 90's. The

work was basically developed through available data from each explored EIAs RIMAs and they were transformed in 4

tables in the following way:

Table 1: Place, Year, EIAs RIMAs type.

Table 2: Mainly subjects of each EIAs RIMAs.

Table 3: Responsable professionals by building up the EIAs RIMAs.

Table 4: Impacts and risks associated with the EIAs RIMAs.

Starting from the EIAs RIMAs analysis during the survey and tables, it was possible to realize that most executed EIAs

RIMAs, until the present moment are not reaching the purposes estabilished by the Law.





MOPHOLOGY, ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF

THE 'RECULÉES' AND CANYONS OF THE

KARSTIC PLATEAU OF ARCOS-PAINS, MINAS

GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Campos, A.B.

Universidade Federal de Goiânia, GO, Brasil


On the high basin of the Sao Francisco river in the state of Minas Gerais the Karstic Plateau of Arcos-Pains was

characterized by geomorphological mapping, which develops over limestone of the Bambuí Group and can be

recognized by the presence of long limestone massifs sectioned by 'reculées', which present themselves like flat-

bottomed valleys, limited by abrupt escarpment with kilometric extensions, and by canyons between 300-900m long

and between 80-400m wide, which cross and divide the massifs.

The origin and developing dynamics of the 'reculées' and canyons can be comprehended by the understanding of their

main conditioning factors, which are, the presence of dissoluble limestone placed over less soluble rocks with low

permeability (marly and dolomitic rocks), which house different aquifers at the heights of 700 and 800m. The superior

aquifer moves horizontally and vertically inside layers of stratified limestone, originating springs in the areas selected

by the massif topography, especially in fracture zones, producing a more intense dissolution of the carbonatic layers on

the points where these grow. The differentiated dissolution due to the karstic springs, produce valleys that retreat

according to the hydric availability over a long period of time. During this process the valleys start to expand, widening

and deepening on the bedrock with stratified limestone, and when they manage to break the little soluble layer of

underlying dolomitic, they set in motion the vertical dissolution over layers of massive limestone and stratified one,

positioned on the inferior portion of the carbonatic layers, reaching the level of the inferior aquifer, located at 700m.

From this moment the 'reculées' deepen even more, being able to reach the massif base level, where blossom little

soluble marl of the foot of the carbonatic layers, originating long and large 'reculées' which can evolve to canyons when

they totally section the limestone massifs.





APPLICATIONS OF THE GEOGRAPHIC

INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIG) IN

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF THE CITY OF

BREJO DA MADRE DE DEUS

Canto, A.C.L.

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, PE, Brasil


With the objective geographically to locate the situated archaeological sites in the city of the Brejo da Madre de Deus,

Pernambuco state, the Geographic Information Systems (SIG) was applied, in an eminently archaeological work.

Based upon SC. 24-X-B-III Belo Jardim and SB. 24-Z-D-Vi Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, the city of the Brejo da Madre

de Deus encloses an area of approximately 845 Km2 of surface, being fit in the microregion of the Valley of Ipojuca,

intermediate area between the humid bush and semi-arid hinterland.

Having knowlwdge of expressive amount of archaeological sites in this city, a bank of coordinate was confectioned of

these sites, in order to get greater accuracy for the position and/or plotation.The tracking of the topographical points

(sites) was assisted with the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

In each locative point, ambient informations on the proximity of the sites duly had been catalogued in specific fiches for

a confrontation with the data observed after the plotation of sites in digitalized maps.

The analysis of this pilot area (Brejo da Madre de Deus), still that in small scale, it was complemented with images of

satellite, digital letters and air photographs, searching to visualize the points located under some perspectives

(archaeology, geology and vegetation).

Systemize this data set under an archaeological perspective, it was possible to raise information how much to the

exploitation of the spaces used for prehistoric groups, identifying the areas of bigger anthropic activity in function of the

available features in the identified ecological environments; visualized, in set, through digitalized maps.





ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL-TEMPORAL

VARIATION OF EROSIVITY IN THE FEDERAL

DISTRICT (DF) OF BRAZIL THROUGH

ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION

Ferreira, C.F.; Torres; E.P. and Macedo, G.

Universidade de Brasília, DF, Brasil

E-mail: [email protected], ercí[email protected]

Erosivity represents the rains property to cause erosion. The parameters used to investigate it depend on the occurrence

of rain which is directly linked to the atmospheric phenomena that originate and distribute it spatially. The objective of

this work is to spatialize erosivity in the DF and to explain through dominant atmospheric circulation its spatial-

temporal variation.

Precipitation data from 1979 to 1995 were used to calculate erosivity. Spatialization was obtained based on Krigging`s

geostatistic method. Since the region`s climate presents an alternation of dry and rainy periods, the variation in erosivity

(shown in the cartograms) was analysed during these two periods. The dislocation of air masses is the main element

used to explain the weather patterns. In the Center-West region of Brazil the continental equatorial (mEc), ropical

atlantic (mTa) and polar atlantic (mPa) air masses operate. Associated with these air masses are three systems of

atmospheric circulation which determine the region`s climate. The domination of these systems determines, in the

summer, the dislocation of the cyclonal center (low pressure and high temperature) to dominate the Center-West region.

The mEc, favoured by low pressure, and being hot and wet, carries rain and high temperatures to the region. The

cartogram representative of this period shows high levels of erosivity. In the winter, when erosivity levels decline, the

polar anticyclone migrates to the north and stops over the Center-West region.

Being a center of high pressure and low temperature, the polar antyciclone`s presence provokes cold and dry weather.

Thus, the erosivity in the DF, from a seasonal perspective, follows the rain pattern. From the spatial perspective, it

presents ana east-west tendency in erosivity growth. This tendency can be explained by the relief, which by interacting

with the regional systems of atmospheric circulation acts over the region`s climate determining rain distribution

patterns.





NITROGEN IN SUBTROPICAL KARSTIC

ENVIRONMENT

Fritzsons, E.; Mantovani, L.E.; Rizzi, N.E.

Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR, Brasil


This work is an attempt to evaluate the impact of the agrossystems on the quality of underground water reserves in a

karstic hydrographic basin in the municipality of Colombo, part of the greater Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

The agrossystems system in this region revolves around intensive agriculture, geared toward commercial production,

giving rise to the heavy usage of agrochemical which affect soil and water reserves. Among these chemicals, nitrogen

was found to be the main pollutant, due to its mobility, and water solubility as nitrate, and consequent degradation of

water quality. This because the karstic substratum presents dolines, faults and fissures that can lead to the entrance and

circulation of pollutants in the aquifer.

This study was developed along two fundamental lines: (i) land vulnerability, as based on soil, landform and geological

characteristics, and (ii) land occupation and use. It was defined and implemented weights to enable separation and

ranking of different classes. This approach led to the generation of three maps: a map of land use and occupation, a map

of land vulnerability, and an impact map which brings both types of factors together to predict areas of greater and

lesser impacts.

The excess of nitrogen originating in horticulture was estimated, taking account the amounts used by farmers and the

amounts extracted from crops produced over the course of a year. Nitrogen outflowing from rural households was also

estimated.

Although, agriculture is the largest generator of nitrogen, water conservation in this area depends upon the ordering of

activities and the disciplining of land occupation, avoiding land subdivision and urbanization.





PODZOLIZATION AND SOIL ACIDIFICATION

UNDER Pinus caribaea IN UBERLÂNDIA-UBERABA

PLATEAU, MINAS GERAIS

Lima, S. C.; Frascoli, A. C.1; Lilienfein, J.; Wilcke, W.; Zech, W.2; Ayarza, M. A.3 and Vilela,

L.4 1 Universidade Federal de Uberlândia - Uberlândia, MG, Brasil

2 University of Bayreuth - Bayreuth - Germany

3 CIAT/EMBRAPA, Planaltina. DF, Brazil

4 EMBRAPA, Planaltina, DF, Brazil

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], wolfgang.wilcke@uni-

bayreth.de, [email protected]

The objective of this study was to identify a possible acidification and podzolization of the soils under plantation of

Pinus caribaea. The study area is located in plated Uberlândia-Uberaba, in the southeast portion of the municipal district

of Uberlândia and north of the municipal district of Uberaba (MG). The area presents Latossolos (Oxissols) over basalts

of the Serra Geral Formation (Jurassic) and sandstone of the Marília Formations (Meso-Cretaceous) and slopes < 1°.

Surface soil samples (0-0.15 m) from three plots in CE and PI were sequentially extracted. Extracts and soil solution

were analyzed for Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, and Zn concentrations, soil solution also for pH and electrical

conductivity (EC). Total concentrations in soil solid phase ranged between 94,000-155,000 mg kg-1 (Al), 29-39 (Ca),

21-31 (Cu), 44,000-61,000 (Fe), 91-141 (K), 21-29 (Mg), 28-57 (Mn), 73-94 (Na), and 13-21 (Zn). Whereas 27-83 % of

total K, Ca, Mg, and Na concentrations were exchangeable, > 83 % of total Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al were bound in

hardly plant-available forms. There were no significant differences in concentrations and partitioning between CE and

PI. At the beginning of the rainy season (Oct. to Dec.), metal concentrations in soil solution were 2-5 times larger and

more variable than between Dec. and Apr. because of the mineralization of organic matter which accumulated during

the dry season. Metal concentrations in CE soil solution between Dec. and Apr. were extremely small at all depths (Al:

not detected (n.d.)-3.26 µmol l-1, Ca: 2.8-11.7, K: 0.9-6.7, Mg: 0.7-8.3, Mn: n.d.-0.14, Na: 5.5-40.1, Zn: 0.13-1.02). Up

to 1.2 m soil depth, soil solution pH was significantly lower in PI than in CE. Concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, and Na

were up to two times larger than in CE, those of Mn and Al 9 and 60 times, respectively. Whereas the soil solid phase

did not show significant differences in metal concentrations and partitioning, the soil solution composition clearly

indicated enhanced acidification in PI. This resulted in increased leaching of plant nutrients from the topsoil.


Documents

Sessions of IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology · of IAG 1999 Regional Conference on Geomorphology 1. Fluvial Geomorphology 2. Tectonics and Landscape Evolution 3. Coastal